What’s Happening on the 2026 Ha-Ha? We Asked the Newbah!

When Chuck Skewes took over the Baja Ha-Ha and became the Newbah at the end of the 2025 rally, some sailors began wondering what the Ha-Ha would look like in 2026. Well, we’ve been following the Newbah’s journey and we believe we can safely say it’s shaping up to be the same big-fleet fun, and the same small-fleet community, with just a few new additions. And if you’ve been wondering what happens on a Ha-Ha, and what will happen this year, here’s a little rundown.

The Baja Ha-Ha departs from San Diego at the start of each November, this year on November 2. The Newbah and his team organize everything, from special permission to anchor in San Diego (just for Ha-Ha participants) ahead of the launch to a pre-launch kick-off costume party with Ha-Ha swag available (this year includes Grateful Dead-themed gear) to a skippers’ meeting where you get all the up-to-date info and answers to your questions, to events at the various stops between SD and Cabo, discounted fuel at Turtle Bay, and even an awards party at the end of the rally. Awards go out for things like most sailed miles, biggest fish caught, and a range of other ideas made up along the way.

While en route, the fleet is kept in communication via morning check-ins on VHF, with additional Zoom check-ins for those who opt in. The daily check-ins are great for meeting your fellow cruisers, and outstanding for solving any issues or problems you might encounter, such as engine problems or how to catch fish. Chuck, the Newbah, is a sailmaker and has done a great job of helping sailors underway.

One year, a woman broke her arm. An orthopedic surgeon was among the fleet. They happened to have cast-making materials, set her arm, and put it in a cast, which was then signed by the Ha-Ha sailors. She was able to continue on the rally instead of having to go home. (She did see a doctor when she returned home.) A lasting memory for sure!

Regarding the sail south and the places you’ll stop, the first location is Turtle Bay. Here you’ll be met with a quaint little town that sleeps for much of the year but comes alive for the Ha-Ha. You’ll have the chance to play ashore and meet more of the fleet — the world-famous cruisers-versus-local-kids bazeball game (bring some extra gear to give to the local kids), hikes in the hills overlooking the bay, the annual men-versus-women tug of war, volleyball — it’s just a chill beach-party kind of day. The beach gathering winds up at a reasonable hour, because the next day the fleet sets sail early for Bahia Santa Maria.

Bahia Santa Maria is a great stop, where again, the fleet heads for shore and gathers for a time on the sand. There are hikes to enjoy, mangroves to explore, a seafood taco stand set up by the local fishing community, and a rock ‘n’ roll band that travels all the way from La Paz to play for the crowd. If you can play an instrument or sing, you might even get to have a moment of fame on stage with them.

Next stop on the itinerary is Cabo San Lucas, the home of the famous “We Cheated Death Again” party at Squid Roe. This is your opportunity to let loose all those fears and anxieties you may have been harboring about sailing south to Mexico — because you made it! It’s not a late night, and you don’t have to go crazy, though we’ve heard that many sailors have quite a good time.

The next day, after a lazy day on the hook, the fleet gathers again one last time for a banquet and awards at the Mango Deck, and then it’s all free sailing — wherever the wind blows you next. There are a couple of nearby gatherings that take place courtesy of the marine and tourist associations, but these are optional.

That said, everything is optional on the Ha-Ha, but most people sign up to enjoy the company and the planned activities along the way. How about you? Will you make this the year that you do the Ha-Ha?

If you want a more detailed account of the 10-day rally, check out Chuck’s video, in which he sails us through the itinerary, one day and one event at a time.

Or, skip all that and just sign up and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Sign up here.