La Paz Is Cleaning Up Nicely After Hurricane Norma

Not everyone who heads south sails with the Ha-Ha. Petaluma sailors Rich and Laura Brazil have just flown to La Paz to reunite with their boat, the 1987 Nauticat 43 Tally Ho. We can only imagine their apprehension of what they might find after Hurricane Norma tore through the region two weeks ago. Rich wrote to fill us in.

“We arrived in La Paz yesterday after five months away from Tally Ho. Marina de La Paz has been her home during the hurricane season. Our trepidation following the recent Hurricane Norma had us on the edge of our seats as our airport shuttle crept along the Malecon.”

“Several masts protruding at grotesque angles from the anchorage and marina area confirmed our sorrow for the boats lost. We could make out six to eight boats, mostly older, un-cared-for vessels still underwater or beached.”

“Marina de La Paz looks fine to us. Lots of missing screws in the dock boards from the swell, but considering what a nightmare ensued, I am incredibly pleased. Tally Ho fared well. Our boat-watch man, Alon, from La Paz Cruisers Supply, and the wonderful crew at Marina de La Paz, can’t be thanked enough for their help during the hurricane.”

Video © Rich Brazil.

“Cleanup is well underway, with only occasional signs of hurricane damage. The weather is fantastic, the views spectacular, the anchorage looks inviting (not sure about slip availability), and all signs point to a great sailing season.”

That’s good news! And especially so after all the dramatic stories we’ve had to share of late. We hope to hear more good-news stories as Baja Ha-Ha XXIX arrives in Cabo tomorrow.