Fleet Relaxes in Bahia Santa Maria

In stark contrast to the light air of Leg 1, the second leg of the 21st Baja Ha-Ha rally was a rompin’ stompin’ beam reach right down the rhumbline to Bahia Santa Maria. Consequently, the 240-mile leg from Bahia Tortugas was one of the fastest ever.

After a peaceful night at anchor, some fleet members went ashore early to hike the adjacent hills or do some beachcombing along the seemingly endless white sand beach, where shells, sand dollars and the skeletons of whales can be found.

This afternoon, a local rock ‘n’ roll band will set the tone for the Bahia Santa Maria beach party, where the local fishermen and their families will serve a meal of fresh-caught grouper and shrimp, washed down by ice cold beer.

Now that Hurricane Vance is history, the fleet will start Leg 3 to Cabo San Lucas tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. Winds are expected to be light during the 180-mile leg, but the 140-boat fleet should arrive midday Friday. The final events of this year’s rally, a beach party and the awards ceremony (hosted by Cabo Marina), are both scheduled for Saturday. Look for our complete recap of Baja Ha-Ha XXI in the December issue of Latitude 38.