From S.F. Bay to Cabo, the Latitude Fall Crew Party Is Your First Stop
As we count down the days until our fall crew list party, we’re thinking about the many sailors who have attended these gatherings over the years and found new friendships or new crewmates, or simply connected with people they’ve known for years but may have been out of touch with for a while. This is what we love about hosting the Latitude 38 Fall Baja Ha-Ha Crew List Party. It’s an evening of connections, fun, merriment and some very tall sailing stories.
The stories might be about what happened yesterday on the Bay; that time they went for a summer cruise in the Delta; an upcoming race or seminar, such as the Rolex Big Boat Series or Island Yacht Club’s 34th annual Women’s Sailing Seminar. And, of course, given that the party encompasses the annual Baja Ha-Ha Mexico Cruising Seminar and sailors’ reunion, we hear a good number of stories from sailors who have been on the Ha-Ha, whether for the first time or the umpteenth time. For example, Mark LaFevers is signed up for this year’s 32nd Baja Ha-Ha, and, he has done it four times previously! Mark does have some stories to tell. He also has some good tips, things he has discovered along the way as he tacked down to Mexico and bashed his way back to California over four almost consecutive seasons — 2019, ’21, ’22 and ’24.
Mark admitted to being inexperienced when he joined his first Ha-Ha, but he did it nonetheless, and is surely a better sailor now for the experience. “As newbies, our first year was marked by being well aware of our own inexperience in extended cruising, but still lusting for that level of adventure. Falling in with this rally group of highly skilled, experienced, like-minded sailors — along with the terrific supportive structure the rally organizers provide — was and is a smart, safe, fun way to get started.” Mark talks about issues and solutions regarding solar panels, fueling, furling, and some general thoughts along the way. For anyone still on the fence about joining the Ha-Ha this year (extended registration period closes October 15), check out Mark’s story.
His overall suggestion is, ” … there is no time like right now for staying meaningful and engaged. And the Baja Ha-Ha offers that, and much more, to sailors of all ages and experience levels.” You can read Mark’s story here.
Meanwhile, back in Sausalito, the Crew List Party will be in full swing on Thursday September 10, at Spaulding Marine Center. Many sailors have found their forever crew here, and their sometimes, or onetime crew — it all depends on the circumstances and timing. But one thing is for certain: No one ever regrets going to the Latitude 38 Fall Baja Ha-Ha Crew List Party. And neither will you!
We look forward to seeing you there next week for some salty talk and mingling. Get your tickets here.
