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Baja Ha-Ha XX Sets Sail

By Andy Turpin | October 28, 2013 | San Diego |
This plate full of tacos were looking good, but their little chili pepper seemed less than thrilled with his costume.

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©2013 Latitude 38 Media, LLC

The 20th annual Baja Ha-Ha rally got off to a spectacular start yesterday with the traditional Costume Kickoff Party at the Shelter Island West Marine super store. Thanks to generous support from Mexico Tourism, a terrific mariachi band set a festive mood.

Mariachis gave the costumed crowd an authentic taste of the Mexican culture, courtesy of our friends at Mexican Tourism.

latitude/Andy
© Latitude 38 Media, LLC
The Indigo Sea crew were looking sleek — and decidedly indigo.

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©2013 Latitude 38 Media, LLC
The pet costume contest was won by this canine buccaneer, who’s ‘crewing’ for Craig Shaw and Jane Roy aboard the Columbia 43 Adios.

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© Latitude 38 Media, LLC

As always, the vast majority of fleet members were decked out in elaborate costumes. Predictably, there was a huge contingent of swashbuckling pirates and saucy wenches. Everyone was offered authentic beef, pork and chicken tacos, plus a boatload of cool libations. Representing Mexico Tourism, Alejandro Santander gave the fleet a heartfelt welcome to his country, acknowledging that maritime travelers are an important segment of Mexico’s overall tourism market.

We’d guess that judging the sexy wench contest is ‘Cap’n Ron’s favorite task as a West Marine employee.

latitude/Andy
© Latitude 38 Media, LLC
Yesterday’s Kickoff Party was held in West Marine’s parking lot.

© Kurt Roll
Silly stewardesses and their fearless captain

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©2013 Latitude 38 Media, LLC

Prior to the official start of Leg One this morning, the fleet participated in a parade through the harbor, cheered on by local well-wishers. Aboard the sport fishing boat Dolphin, Mexican dignitaries, San Diego city officials, Coast Guard officers and an assortment of print, TV and radio press, recorded the fleet’s departure. Sharon Bernni-Cloward of the San Diego Port Tenants Association and Ken Franke of the Sportfishing Association of California went above and beyond in organizing the parade, inviting the media, and welcoming Mexican Immigration and Tourism officials aboard the parade committee boat.

The fleet left port this morning in grey, rainy conditions, but don’t feel too sorry for them — they’ll hit sun soon enough.

latitude/John A.
©2013 Latitude 38 Media, LLC

Editor’s note: The Assistant Poobah, Andy Turpin, was supposed to have called in with an offshore weather report but he’s clearly too busy to check in. We’ll have a full report in a few days.

Sailing

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