We Won’t Be Coming Back

Doublehanders Jonathan and Rebecca Mote of the Corona del Mar-based Jeanneau 42DS Serendipity were among the handful of soul sailors who sailed the entire 750-mile length of November’s Baja Ha-Ha. Even when becalmed for a long period of time they didn’t give in — despite the fact that their dog actually picked up the ignition key to the engine and brought it to them. Hint, hint.

The couple had such a good time on the Ha-Ha that when we crossed paths at the Vallarta YC in December, they told us they were going to do it again this fall. But on a larger boat.

"We like the Jeanneau 52," they said. They also said they intend to sail the entire way again.

In addition to having a different boat, the couple plan to do one other thing differently. "Once the Ha-Ha is over, we’re not just going to cruise for another month or two, we’re not coming back at all!"

Given the Motes’ dedication, the Poobah has awarded them sign-up position number three. Position one is already taken by Mark Coleman of the Ventura-based Cal 48 Waimui, while position two is taken by Patsy ‘La Reina del Mar’ Verhoeven and her La Paz-based Gulfstar 50 Talion. Official Ha-Ha registration will not open until May 1.

As we’ll be reminding people all year, the Grand Poobah has moved the starting date of the 23rd annual Baja Ha-Ha back a week to October 31 from what would have normally been October 24. The two primary reasons are: 1) To try to increase the time between the end of hurricane season and the start of the Ha-Ha, and 2) To not conflict with a fishing tournament so there will be more slips available in Cabo for Ha-Ha boats.