Baja-Bound Boater Update

As in years past, berth availability is tight, tight, tight in San Diego at this time of year. With 177 boats signed up for the 14th annual Baja Ha-Ha cruisers rally (which begins October 29), and about 65 powerboats  registered for the inaugural Fubar Odyssey (which begins November 7), we would encourage southbound skippers to take advantage of the many excellent berthing opportunities en route to San Diego,

Two of the best choices are laying over at Two Harbors, on the northeast side of Catalina, where there are plenty of safe, secure moorings to be had at reasonable prices, and at Newport Beach, where well-protected overnight buoys are available for the incredible price of $5 a night. Other options are detailed (with contact info) in the downloadable PDF "Southbound Berthing" found at www.baja-haha.com  As reported earlier, Baja Ha-Ha entrants can also berth free of charge in a special anchorage at San Diego’s Glorietta Bay – drop by the Shelter Island Police dock to get your special permit (619-686-6227).

Ha-Ha skippers should note also that Ha-Ha sponsor West Marine is generously offering free shuttle service to and from their store and other key cruiser locations such as consulates, marinas, anchorages and grocery stores. Beginning today, shuttles will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week through Monday, October 29, the event’s starting date.

A final southbound cruiser note is that the popular Baja Net has changed its SSB frequency to 7259 LSB, running daily at 0800 PST.