Come Meet Cheryl at the Latitude 38 Fall Crew Party Next Week

“Hi there, My name is Cheryl Yutzy (28), and I’m currently finishing up my paramedic program. It’s been a dream of mine for over a decade to crew in the Baja Ha-Ha Rally.” This is the opening to a letter we received on Friday.

“Back in 2017, my sister and I attempted to join the rally, but due to some poor planning on my part, we only made it as far as the Sausalito Crew Party. (I mistakenly thought the crew-finding party was in San Diego and booked our flights accordingly — lesson learned!) Richard was kind enough to write an article about our story at the time, which I’ve attached here. I’ve come a long way since then in both my preparation skills and sailing experience.”

It’s true. In 2017, despite mistakenly heading to San Diego, Cheryl and her sister Machelle attended the Latitude 38 Fall Crew List Party complete with business cards to hand out. One of them read “Cheryl Yutzy, The Jane of All Trades, Young & Ambitious.”

“I understand the rally committee typically doesn’t write crew articles and encourages crew and skippers to use the listings — which I’ve done,” Cheryl’s letter continues. “That said, I also believe that if you don’t ask, the answer is always no. I recently read that this could be the final Baja Ha-Ha Rally, and that really lit a fire in me. I’m determined to finally check this dream off my list, and I’m hoping this message might reach someone who’s inspired to help make that happen.

“Unlike last time, I now have hands-on sailing experience. I learned to sail in the Chesapeake Bay aboard the 80-ft schooner Woodwind, where I worked as a deckhand for a summer season. I later joined the yachting industry in South Florida. While my time there was cut short due to the 2020 lockdowns, I gained valuable experience and sea time! Attached below is my résumé w/more detail.

“I’ll be attending the Sausalito Crew Party on September 4 and would love the chance to connect in person. In the meantime, feel free to reach out by phone or text at …” (We’re not going to put Cheryl’s phone number on the wall for just anyone to call. Let us know if you’re serious and we can put you in touch.)

By the way, we love getting letters from sailors, particularly those who are determined to get aboard a boat.

In the meantime, we’ll see you at the party next week!

The Party – Thursday, September 4
From 6 to 9 p.m., hang out with skippers, sailors, and sponsors in the Spaulding Marine Center boatyard. Throughout the evening, Baja Ha-Ha sponsors will be available to answer questions about heading south. You’ll also meet with folks from local marine businesses, San Francisco Science Sailing Center, Island Yacht Club, and more.

And while the Spaulding crew runs the bar in support of their educational programs, the great folks from the Casablanca Mediterranean food truck will be parked outside preparing their delicious array of scrumptious foods for everyone to enjoy.

There’ll also be raffles, resources, and the incredible Bay Area sailing energy.

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.

Parking
Please do not park at Clipper Yacht Harbor. View the Parking Map for available locations near Spaulding Marine Center.

Note: This is a mostly outdoor event, so please dress in layers!