Ha-Ha Deadline & Crew List Party

The last time Tom and Nicole Lyon of San Diego did the Baja Ha-Ha, she was four months pregnant. A lot has happened since. Most importantly, the arrival of Max, now 6, and McKenzie, 4. And when we saw them a few months ago in San Diego, they gave us a tour of the new-to-them Gulfstar Sailmaster 47 Ohana. "We are hoping to do the Ha-Ha this fall," Tom said, "but realistically, it’s probably going to be another year." Well, when they came by Profligate in their dinghy yesterday, they had good news: "We’re doing it this year after all!"

If you want to do the Ha-Ha this year, there’s still time to sign up, but be warned that the entry deadline is next Thursday, September 10. With our new online sign-up system you can complete the process in about 15 minutes, any time of the day or night.

If finding appropriate crew has been holding you back, fear not. You can meet dozens of eager, well-qualified watch-standers at next Wednesday’s Mexico Only Crew List and Baja Ha-Ha Reunion at Alameda’s Encinal YC (6-9 p.m.; registered skippers and first mates free, others $7; free snacks and demos; cash bar). And if you’re a sailor in need of a ride south, we suggest you show up early with a smile and a stack of sailing resumes. Who knows, attending next week’s shindig could be the start of a whole new cruising lifestyle!