The Joys of an Extra Pair of Hands

In the Wanderer’s story about Profligate‘s Baja Bash, he notes that he and Doña de Mallorca generally bring crew aboard for long passages. Being no average dummy, he knows that many hands not only make light work, but also make for better-rested crew. 

Consider the upcoming Baja Ha-Ha XX, which will take hundreds of boats south from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. Many, if not most, entries are couples who have long dreamed of cruising together to white sand beaches and hidden ports. They often join the Ha-Ha as a way to kick off their cruise, and they look forward to the beach parties at Turtle Bay, Bahia Santa Maria and Cabo San Lucas. What a grand time they’ll have!

Imagine their disappointment when they sail doublehanded into port only to be too exhausted from their three-on/three-off watch schedule to fully enjoy everything each stop has to offer. Meanwhile, those boats who brought crew along are playing beach volleyball, going for hikes, surfing or generally have a fabulous, energetic time ashore.

Of course the same logic applies to anyone sailing south this fall, not just Ha-Ha’ers. But don’t worry, we have the answer for you: Latitude 38‘s Mexico-Only Crew List Party! Baja-bound skippers will have the pick of the litter when it comes to potential crew at tonight’s party, which starts at 6 p.m. at Encinal YC in Alameda. Paid 2013 Ha-Ha skippers and first mates get in free; all others pay a measly $7. There’s a no-host bar, slideshow, snacks and vendors who can help you with all your cruising needs. Harbormasters Dick Markie of Paradise Village Marina and Geronimo Cevallos of Marina El Cid will be presenting a free Mexico Cruising Seminar from 4 to 6 p.m. that you won’t want to miss.

If you can’t make the party — and even if you can — be sure to sign up for our online Crew List. It’s free and easy. Just enter your pertinent information (no embellishing!) and then start perusing the lists of folks looking to crew on boats heading south. If you’re crew, do the same thing but start contacting skippers looking for crew. In no time at all, you’ll be set with crew you’re comfortable and compatible with, ready to enjoy all the pleasures of the Ha-Ha itinerary.

Hmmm, maybe the Wanderer should have come to the Crew List Party before doing the Bash!