Baja Ha-Ha XXIX Registrations Open at Noon Tomorrow, May 9
While enjoying the weekend at the Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show in Redwood City, we chatted with dozens of sailors, some local and some from afar, who, apart from singing the praises of their favorite magazine — Latitude 38, of course — were excited about this year’s Baja Ha-Ha. And we can understand why! The Ha-Ha is pretty much a rite of passage, a must-do for sailors who want to be able to say they do, or have truly “lived,” the sailing life. We met couples who are excited about signing up this year for their first Ha-Ha, sailors who are looking to do it again, and others who are hoping to join a boat to gain some experience before casting off on their own Ha-Ha adventure. And that’s the beauty of the Baja Ha-Ha: It really is for everyone. So, if you’re one of the adventurous sailors with only one line left holding you to the dock, stand by, because registrations for the 29th Baja Ha-Ha cruisers’ rally open at noon (PDT) tomorrow, May 9.
Signing up is easy. Go to the Ha-Ha sign-up page HERE and fill in the spaces. There may be some clamoring to be the first entry, but relax; it’s already taken.
The Poobah has awarded honorary entry #1 to Scott and Jill Stephens of the Catana 47 L’Avventura. “After 25+ years, 150+ episodes of television, and a handful of films, I am done with Hollywood,” writes Scott. “Leaving Hollywood and taking off on the Ha-Ha was all set in motion back in 2009 when I crewed on Profligate. After that Ha-Ha, the decision was always not if, but when. And now is our time to move on and live a different life, one that involves more sailing, more cruising, and more living. Jill and I will spend some time in the Sea of Cortez and then, well, we’ll find out as we go.”
So if your competitive nature and enthusiasm are at an all-time high, you’ll have to contend with being the one to secure the #2 entry (we know people who are aiming for this). And what’s the big deal about being first to sign up? For starters, you get bragging rights. (What sailor doesn’t like those?) But among other things, you also have a much better chance of getting space at the dock in Cabo. Here’s what the Poobah says about it:
“The benefits of signing up early are several: 1) You’re making a commitment to actually cast off the docklines on a specific date. 2) Given that commitment, you can start making berthing and boatyard reservations in Mexico as you might need them. Reservations are strongly encouraged these days, and are essential for the holidays. 3) The higher you are on the list of sign-ups, the greater your chance of getting a slip in Cabo — although nobody is guaranteed a slip.”
Whatever number your entry is, just signing up and doing the Ha-Ha makes you a winner in our books. And if you’re still sitting on the rails about signing up, take a look at the Ha-Ha’s 2022 kickoff in San Diego.”
If you didn’t already know, the Baja Ha-Ha is the 750-mile cruisers’ rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, with R&R stops at super-funky and fun Turtle Bay and surreal Bahia Santa Maria. The event runs from October 30 to November 11, 2023, and includes eight major social events.