Nada Ha-Ha or Panama Posse: Mexico Is Calling

“Light air, heavy air, clouds, sun and tons of fun.” This is how Nada Ha-Ha organizer Patsy Verhoeven described the 750-mile passage from San Diego to the tip of the Baja Peninsula, which began on November 2. And while some boats joined the fleet in Ensenada, Patsy was pleased to inform us that all are now checked into Mexico and safely anchored or docked in Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Los Cabos.

According to the many exuberant conversations that were had during two “fabulous gatherings,” the crews had experienced an abundance of marine life along the way — marlin, whales, turtles, jumping rays, dolphins — and of course almost everyone dined on fresh-caught fish.

While reflecting on the fun, Patsy added that one of her favorite things about such a fleet is the camaraderie and support network. “Position checks, radio nets, end-of-leg gatherings — cruisers helping cruisers get to Mexico during the pandemic.”

Meanwhile, the Panama Posse, the sailing rally that runs from California to Florida and back to California via the Central American Pacific and Western Caribbean waters, is gearing up for its fourth annual rally. At the time of writing almost 140 sailors had signed up to join the fleet, with more coming!

Organizers Dietmar and Suzanne said their goal is to have 200 participants for this year’s rally. And with upcoming presentations at the Santa Barbara and St Francis Yacht Clubs, the odds are looking pretty good.

Kickoff week is December 4 to 8, with, so far, around 40 vessels joining the Mexico celebrations — in socially distant fashion, of course.

If you missed the Nada Ha-Ha, maybe you can join the Posse? Or maybe you can even do both!

Check out our Heading South page for regular stories and updates about Mexico. And for important and up-to-date information about everything from where to go or who to see, head over to our Mexico First Timers’ Guide for 2020.