Why Sailors Should Try a Cruising Rally: A Baja Ha-Ha FAQ

Those of us who have done the Baja Ha-Ha, and those of us who help make it happen, have a pretty good understanding of what this cruisers’ rally is. But what if you have no idea what the Baja Ha-Ha is?

We’ve put together a list of a few frequently asked questions that we hope will fill in the blanks: a Baja Ha-Ha FAQ. Of course there will always be more questions, more to know, but we hope this helps cover the basics to get you started, and signing up.

What is the Baja Ha-Ha?

It is a 750-mile-long (approximately) cruising rally from San Diego, CA, to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

What is a cruising rally?

A cruising rally is when a bunch of boats sail to the same location at approximately the same time. Ha-Ha organizers aim to facilitate a sail in which people can have fun and know that there are others not too far away whom they can meet up with at the beach, or who can help each other if needed.

Is it a race?

No, it is not a race. While some boats inevitably push hard to arrive earlier than others in their class, most participants are simply looking for a safe, comfortable trip down the coast. Unlike in a race, you may use your engine whenever you choose. You can also go “off-piste,” so to speak, as long as you inform the rally organizers. This means you’re free to stop at anchorages you enjoy and to depart a little early or late.

Do we need to register?

Yes. Ha-Ha participants need to register themselves and their boat.

Does it cost anything?

Yes. The entry fee is a non-refundable $545 per boat before June 1, and $595 after. (However, if you are under 35, or your boat is under 35 feet, we offer a discounted rate of $500 before June 1 and $550 after.) These rates are only about 25% of the cost of similar two-week rallies elsewhere in the US and around the world. 71 boats from 27-ft to 88-ft are currently registered.

What is the deadline? 

The deadline is today, September 2, but Newbah Poobah Chuck Skewes has extended the deadline until October 15. Assistant Poobah Patsy Verhoeven adds that anyone who signs up after today will have to pick up their entry packet with burgee in San Diego. Also, if you wait too long to sign up, you may miss getting your immigration paperwork into Mag Bay Outfitters for check-in at Bahia Santa Maria, and you may not get your boat information included in the Baja Ha-Ha event program. For the skipper and first mate to get into the Latitude 38 Crew Party for free you must be entered by September 9.

What do I get for my fees?

The number-one thing you get for your entry fee is the opportunity, not a guarantee, to have a great time on the ocean with a great group of people. Each boat receives the Meet the Fleet roster with fleet bios where you can read up about what boat you are sailing close to, who is aboard, whether they’ve been to Mexico before, and where they are going after the Ha-Ha. This really makes things fun, and isn’t found on any other rally in the world.

Entrants also get swag bags with things like hats, shirts, sunglasses, frisbees, beach balls, discount flyers and more. Many of these things are also for sale at the Ha-Ha ship’s store. Check out this year’s gear here.

The captain and first mate get free entry into the Latitude 38 Fall Crew Party and Mexico cruising seminar coming September 10 at Spaulding Marine Center in Sausalito. They also get free entry, food and drink at the Costume Kick-Off Party in San Diego.

Everyone gets free entry to the beach parties in Turtle Bay and Bahia Santa Maria and free entry to the legendary Bazeball Game in Turtle Bay.

Are there exact dates?

The Ha-Ha usually runs for 10 days from early November. This year’s launch date is Monday, November 2. The Ha-Ha ends in Cabo San Lucas on November 13, followed by a party and dance, and an awards night on November 14.

The intention is to cruise and enjoy being on the water. But there will be some fun prizes awarded at the end of the rally.

Are boats going down from S.F., or does it all happen in SoCal?

The Baja Ha-Ha (Ha-Ha for short) sets off from San Diego. The participating boats come from all along West Coast USA and Canada. Most meet in San Diego to set sail with the fleet, though some may join the fleet starting from Ensenada.

Can non-boat owners join the Ha-Ha?

Absolutely! If you don’t own a boat, you can look for a boat to join on the Latitude 38 Crew List. You can also attend the Latitude 38 Fall Baja Ha-Ha Crew List Party on September 10 (next week) at Spaulding Marine Center — dozens of skippers will be there and many will be looking for extra crew.

Do the organizers inspect entered boats?

No. It is the responsibility of each owner or skipper to make sure the boat is safely equipped and maintained for adverse offshore conditions.

What is in place for crew or boat emergencies at sea?

All Ha-Ha boats must be capable of long-distance, two-way communication. Check-ins are preferred by email, but SMS text is also acceptable. Acceptable devices include Garmin inReach or inReach Mini, Iridium GO!, satellite phones, Starlink, HF radio with Pactor modem or software, and other satellite communicators such as SPOT X, Bivy Stick, or ZOLEO. Cell phones do not qualify, as they do not work offshore or away from cell-tower coverage.

While sailing conditions during the Ha-Ha are generally benign, you nonetheless must be prepared for the possibility of heavy weather. Weather forecasts will be passed along during the roll call while in port. But remember, a forecast is a prediction, not a guarantee.

How do the boats get back? Are there coordinated return events too, for supporting people sailing back to their home port?

Each boat owner is responsible for making their own way back to their home port. Many Ha-Ha participants use the Ha-Ha as an opportunity to spend time cruising in Mexico, or as a stepping-off point for further sailing adventures. A few boats turn right around to return home, but most stay south for at least a few months or take off for years!

Can powerboats join the event?

Yes, powerboats are also welcome. They enter in the No Comprende division.

We hope this helps answer those unanswered questions. But if not, here is where you can find more answers: “How To Ha-Ha.”

Also, Patsy Verhoeven, the Assistant Poobah of the Baja Ha-Ha, will be at the Latitude 38 Fall Baja Ha-Ha Crew List Party on Thursday September 10, at Spaulding Marine Center. If you have questions, Patsy, who has done 19 Ha-Ha’s and is based out of La Paz, has the answers. The Mexico Cruising Seminar begins at 4 p.m. and the party starts at 6:00. It’s free to all 2026 Ha-Ha skippers and first mates. Register here for free admission and use the promo code HAHA26.

Remember, the official date for last registrations for this year’s Baja Ha-Ha is September 2. Yes, today! Don’t worry, we “know a guy.” You can still sign up for the 32nd Baja Ha-Ha until October 15. However, anyone who signs up after September 2 will have to pick up their entry packet — including their burgee — in San Diego. As we write, there’s a great fleet of 71 boats signed up! We’ll see them, and you, in San Diego.

Note: In this month’s Latitude 38, four-time Baja Ha-Ha vet Mark LaFevers shares some of the things he’s learned over his Ha-Ha seasons. Mark’s signed up for his fifth Ha-Ha this year; he’s found the appeal and keeps coming back for more!

Note: If you’re already signed up for this year’s Ha-Ha. Look out for the “BAJA HA-HA FLEET NEWSLETTER #1” in your email inbox. It contains important and useful updates.