Baja Ha-Ha Entries Surf Past 100

Based on the fact that Glory, Jennifer Frost and John Sweeney’s San Francisco-based Chance 55, became the 103rd paid Baja Ha-Ha entry in early June, it appears that the 2019 Ha-Ha fleet will be another robust one. Entries are running at almost exactly the same pace as in the last several years.

The Ha-Ha, to be run for the 26th time in a row this year, is the world-famous 750-mile cruisers’ rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, with R&R stops at fabulously funky Turtle Bay and pristine Bahia Santa Maria. It’s open to boats over 27 feet in length that were designed, built, and have been maintained for offshore use. The dates of this year’s event are November 3-16.

What’s different with this year’s Ha-Ha? First, the event will start a week later than in previous years, in deference to climate change, to increase the buffer with tropical storm season. Not that a tropical storm has ever crossed paths with the Ha-Ha route during a Ha-Ha.

Second, the fleet will spend one more day in spectacular Bahia Santa Maria, and one less day in Cabo San Lucas. There are several reasons: It makes the second leg a much more leisurely one, and it gives everyone another relaxing day in the always-favorite Ha-Ha stop.

The Grand Poobah is also happy to announce that Layne Carter, Coast Guard Search and Rescue Specialist for RCC Alameda SAR region, has made it his “number one priority” to address and meet all the members of this year’s Baja Ha-Ha fleet. To this end, Layne will be at the Ha-Ha Kick-Off Party at the West Marine Superstore in San Diego on November 3, and give a late-afternoon or early-evening presentation on either November 1 or 2.

For complete entry information on the Ha-Ha, which has been enjoyed by an astonishing 10,000+ West Coast sailors on more than 3,000 boats, visit www.baja-haha.com. For those who have already signed up, 2019 Ha-Ha burgees, sponsors’ special offers, and the updated version of the First-Timer’s Guide to Cruising Mexico, will have been mailed out near the end of June.