“Get Down” — to Mexico — With the 32nd Baja Ha-Ha
This time last year we were lamenting the idea that this could be the last Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers Rally to Mexico. Thankfully, that didn’t eventuate, thanks to the bold move of Chuck Skewes, who has stepped in to take over the helm and support the fleet of sun-loving, fun-hearted sailors on its way south this coming November — and in Novembers to come! Today we’re sharing an update from one or two of the folks who’ve already signed up to join this 32nd edition of the famous (infamous?) cruisers rally to Mexico.
Our first mention goes to Steven George and Susan Brooks of the Jeanneau 43 Shadowfax — these Huntington Beach sailors know what’s up and were quick off the mark when early entries opened this year in January. Next we salute the smallest boat signed up (to date) — the Catalina 27 La Vida owned by Pati Royce, who, with a hailing port listed as Augusta, GA, is also one of the sailors covering the most distance before the rally even starts. At the opposite end of the size scale we have the 64-ft Northern Marine powerboat Aquila, with Todd and Anne Taricco from Los Angeles/Zephyr Cove, NV. This couple will be “sailing” in the No Comprende division (but of course). Gerald and Mayder Gainant from Clayton must have had a good time cruising south with the fleet last fall, as they’ve signed up to join the Baja Ha-Ha again this November aboard their Lagoon 42 Jolie Rousse.
These folks are among the savvy sailors getting a head start on this year’s sail south. (The Ha-Ha sailors’ bios will appear in this year’s Meet the Fleet Guide.) They signed up at a discounted rate, and they earned a free Grateful Dead Ha-Ha hat. Chuck enlisted the support of Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, who is also a sailor at heart and loves the new Baja Ha-Ha/Grateful Dead-themed logo embossed on this year’s Ha-Ha hats and flags!
The opportunity to grab your free Ha-Ha “Dead” gear still stands, but only while stocks last! The early-bird signup discount, $50 off registration, lasts only until June 1.
It’s a the same safe, social, low-key cruising rally you know and love — great anchorages, beach parties and new friends — now with even more good vibes and ways to enjoy the beautiful Baja coastline.
As a registrant you’ll get access to exclusive online seminars prior to departure, and super-helpful (and no doubt entertaining) Zoom roll calls while underway so you can stay connected with the whole fleet. This is a great way to ask for or offer help for anyone who has any kind of issue, whether it’s a problem with your boat, a medical issue, or even if you’ve just run out of limes! Ha-Ha sailors are there for you at every tack and jibe.
Come make new memories and new friends, and maybe dance to a few Dead tunes under the stars.
When you sign up, remember to fill out the section that asks for a little more information. Your entry form responses become your Meet the Fleet bio, written by Richard Spindler, former Ha-Ha Grand Poobah. So this is your chance to control the narrative! Sharing these little pieces of your life are how the fleet gets to know one another, so that by the time you meet in person, you’re already great friends! The boats with the best bios — the ones with a little detail, humor or personality — are the ones people remember. Give us something fun, interesting or unexpected — you’ll be glad you did once the rally is underway. (Check out the 2025 Meet the Fleet to see what others have done.)