Get Ready to Connect at Latitude 38’s Fall Baja Ha-Ha Mexico Crew List Party
The Latitude 38 Fall Baja Ha-Ha Mexico Crew List Party (Fall BHHMCL Party) is just around the corner — September 4, to be exact. Now, we know the name we gave you above is very long, exceedingly long in fact. But we have so many missions for this party, we didn’t want to miss anything, or anyone. Perhaps if we break it down it will all make more sense.
Latitude 38 (that’s us) hosts a Crew List Party twice each year (not counting the parties missed during the COVID years). The spring party, usually held in March or thereabouts, is to connect sailors for local racing, cruising, daysailing, etc., across the summer. The Fall BHHMCL Party is geared more toward the fall and winter seasons, which for many sailors means cruising south. This party also includes an informative seminar for southbound sailors, with additional information specific to those who have signed up for the Baja Ha-Ha, or who intend to. That said, the party is an excellent opportunity to meet sailors of every ilk; consider it your one-stop shop for connecting with sailors regardless of where, when or how you sail.
We know for a fact that these parties are a doorway to adventure. We’ve heard from and met many sailors who have found a boat or crew through the Latitude 38 Crew List Parties. Take Tony Gilbert, for example. Tony says, “I found more than a few good opportunities to sail on other people’s boats at the Latitude 38 crew parties in San Francisco and Sausalito. I met a variety of skippers looking for crew for daysailing, cruising, racing, and even exotic deliveries (“I’m going to Hawaii next week and need an extra hand.”). Or Richmond Yacht Club sailor Nancy Ibison, who scored a ride in the 2023 Baja Ha-Ha at the Latitude 38 Fall BHHMCL Party. Nancy sailed to Mexico with Eve and Steve aboard their 43-ft Fountaine Pajot catamaran Chat de Mer.
Another great way to make the most of the crew parties is to sign up on the Latitude 38 Crew List pages. You can then meet your prospective crew mates in the safe and fun environment of the sailing community, before leaving the dock! Jimmy Peters found his ride through the the Crew List pages, and recommends meeting in person ahead of a long passage. “I think it’s common sense and should be a priority to take the time to meet the boat crew and seek sailing references before committing to a long passage,” Jimmy says.
Perhaps you’re one of the sailors who met your crew or skipper at a Latitude 38 Fall BHHMCL Party. If so, we’d love to hear your story. Whom did you meet, and where have you sailed because of that meeting? Let us know in the comments below or email us at [email protected].
Remember to circle the date on your calendar, set an alarm on your computer or phone, or both.
Date and Time: Thursday, September 4
The Mexico Seminar: 4–5:30 p.m.
This year’s Baja Ha-Ha cruising seminar features longtime Baja Ha-Ha vet Patsy Verhoeven (“Assistant Poobah”) of SV Talion. Hear stories, get tips, and bring your questions. Doors open at 3:45 p.m.
The Party: 6–9 p.m.
Hang out with skippers, sailors, and sponsors in the Spaulding Marine Center boatyard.
Location: Spaulding Marine Center, 600 Gate 5 Rd., Sausalito.
More details:
Vendor tables and local sailing resources; Casablanca Mediterranean food truck on-site; no-host bar run by Spaulding (supports educational programs); raffles, resources, and Bay Area sailing energy.
This is a mostly outdoor event — please dress in layers.
Admission
Seminar Only: $10
Party Only: $10
Both: $20
Free admission for 2025 Baja Ha-Ha skippers and first mates
Bonus
Admission includes a free First Timer’s Guide to Mexico ($15 value), door prize entry, and access to the most vibrant sailing network in Northern California.
See you there!