A Guide for the First Time

A majority of the 114 boats already signed up for the the 24th Baja Ha-Ha will be making the trip for the first time. As always, it’s nice to have some wisdom from those who have gone before.

In June, Latitude 38 released the annual update of the First Timer’s Guide to Mexico to help anyone who’s planning to sail south for the first time. This is not a harbor cruising guide, but a brief outline of some of the key planning suggestions, paperwork needed and other advice to help cruisers ease into mañanaland with a minimum of hassles. More than 3,000 boats have gone on the Baja Ha-Ha before, so there’s no reason not to take a few of their lessons with you.

While the First Timer’s Guide has some great advice, if you’re in the Bay Area on Wednesday, September 6, you’ll want to be at Spaulding Marine Center in Sausalito for the Mexico Cruising Seminar given by Dick Markie of Paradise Village Marina and Geronimo Cevallos of Marina El Cid. Find a guest slip, anchor out in Richardson Bay, or drive in for the afternoon seminar and evening Crew List Party.

Spaulding Marine Center is a Bay Area treasure of maritime history, a nonprofit education center, working boatyard and event center for sailors within easy reach of the City or East Bay. Have a look at the First Timer’s Guide and then come connect in person at the Crew List Party.