Baja Ha-Ha XXVI

ADDITIONAL NEW STOP FOR BAJA HA-HA XXVI

As many of you know, this year’s Baja Ha-Ha schedule is different from previous years because there is no longer a suitable venue for a beach party in overcrowded Cabo — and because participants have frequently lobbied for more time on the hook somewhere along the spectacular Baja coast.

As a result, the Grand Poobah now has the fleet spending one more day in fabulous Bahia Santa Maria, and one less day in crowded Cabo San Lucas.

But wait, the Grand Poobah has just made yet another change!

Thanks to the strong recommendation of unofficial Second Assistant Grand Poobah Kenny Knoll of the three-time Ha-Ha vet Irwin 65 Jersey Girl, the Grand Poobah has made an executive-level decision to add a third R&R stop between San Diego and Cabo San Lucas — Man o’ War Cove in Mag Bay.

The fleet will now be spending the normal two days in Bahia Santa Maria, with the world-famous rock ‘n roll party on the bluff on the second afternoon. But instead of a third day there, the fleet will be going to and spending the afternoon and evening at fantastic Man ‘o War Cove, a relatively short distance to the south.

Why? Because as you can tell from the accompanying two photos, Man ‘o War has spectacular long white sand beaches that are rarely affected by surf, and thus are more easily and safely accessible than those at Bahia Santa Maria and Turtle Bay. In the past, the one small complaint about Bahia Santa Maria is that it’s not always easy to get to the beach without a panga. That shouldn’t be any problem in the swell free waters of Man o’ War Cove. There is great shelling, hiking, and plunking around in mangroves. There is also a restaurant of sorts at Man ‘o War Cove, the owner of which is eager to welcome the Ha-Ha fleet.

The Black Dots Above Show the Locations of
Bahia Santa Maria, Upper Left, and
Man ‘O War Cove, Lower Right.

In addition, it will be possible to have diesel, gas, and maybe even water and ice panga-ed over from nearby San Carlos.

In the case of someone needing to rush home in an emergency, it will be possible to get to the airport in La Paz, via San Carlos, in about three hours, which is about six hours less time than if trying to get there from Bahia Santa Maria.

Man ‘o War Cove offers fine protection from the prevailing north/northwest winds. Indeed, the San Diego YC CUBAR, which is a 27-boat Ha-Ha like fleet of powerboats, will be spending the night there on November 7.

As is the case with Turtle Bay and Bahia Santa Maria, there is plenty of room to anchor.

The Poobah is very excited about this additional new stop, as it will offer even more variety, and be extremely relaxing.

October 26, Noon - 4 Saturday — Ha-Ha Welcome to San Diego Party hosted by Downwind Marine.

November 1, 2 - 4 pm Friday — Meet the Coast Guard’s West Coast Head of Search & Rescue to make friends and learn valuable emergency life-saving tips. This will be at Fiddler’s Green.

November 2, 5 pm Saturday — Pacific Puddle Jump seminar will give an overview of issues relating to the passage from Mexico to French Polynesia, and inter-island cruising there. Slide show presentation with informational handouts. Inside West Marine, 1250 Rosecrans St, San Diego.

November 3, 9 - 10 am Sunday – Skipper check-in at Rally Headquarters inside West Marine. Online Skipper and Crew Waivers will be confirmed and communication device set up will be verified. If everything checks out your tickets for swag and skipper and first mate tune-up dinner will be distributed, the swag to be picked up at the Kick-Off party. Last-minute crew changes will be accepted. If your Skipper and Crew Waivers aren’t complete prior to the start, you can apply for reinstatement at Turtle Bay.

November 3, 10 am Sunday — Mandatory Skippers’ Meeting at the West Marine Parking Lot. Rally Instructions will be handed out and questions answered. The Skipper or representative only, please.

November 3, 1 pm Sunday — The Annual Ha-Ha Kick-Off Costume Party and BBQ in the West Marine parking lot. Co-hosted by West Marine and Mexico Tourism. Come in costume! Skipper and first mate get t-shirts, hat, tote bag and other souvenirs, as well as a free ‘tune-up’ dinner. Dinner and beverages for additional crew is $12. T-shirts and other souvenirs will be for sale.

November 4, 10 am Monday — Baja Ha-Ha Kick-Off Parade. The schedule:

• 9 am - 9:30 am – South Bay boats pass San Diego to Harbor Island
• 9:45 am – All boats gather off America’s Cup Harbor between Harbor Island and Shelter Island.
• 10 am – Parade past southwest corner of Shelter Island past San Diego fireboat
• 11 am – America’s Cup starting gun begins the Baja Ha-Ha.

November 4, 11 am Monday — Start of Leg One to Turtle Bay off Coronado Roads.

November 4, Monday — There will also be an official unofficial Ha-Ha start from Ensenada, the time to be determined by those starting in Ensenada.

November 7, 3 pm Thursday — The epic, world-famous, everybody plays and nobody strikes out Baja Ha-Ha Cruisers versus the Mexicans kids baseball game at Turtle Bay. Evening: Restaurant hopping, such as it is, in Turtle Bay.

November 8, 1 pm Friday — Famous Turtle Bay Beach Picnic Party until sundown. Bring all your gear. Hot dogs will be sold for charity. Beer and maybe other food for sale by locals. Be careful landing your dinghy —  you don’t want to be dumped and have your outboard chop you up!

November 9, 9 am Saturday – Start of Leg Two to Bahia Santa Maria.

November 11, Monday — ‘Bahia Santa Maria Day’ – a lazy lay day meant for relaxing and exploring the Bay.

November 12, Tuesday — Hiking, beach walking, sports and the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Beach Party, sponsored by the local fisherfolk and their families. This is one of the most surreal experiences in sailing, set on a bluff overlooking the bay. Beer and some food for sale by locals. Subject to surf conditions.

November 13, Wednesday — This is the new one. Leaving at whatever time they want, although we recommend by 9, boats will proceed to the entrance to beautiful Mag Bay and then up to Man ‘o War Cove, a distance of about 27 miles. There will be semi-organized activities on the beach and around the restaurant.

November 14, 7 am Thursday — Start of Leg Three from Bahia Santa Maria to Cabo San Lucas.

November 15, 8 pm Friday — ‘Can’t Believe We Cheated Death Again’ dance and party madness for the young at heart at Squid Roe until the last body falls. Optional.

November 16, 6 pm Saturday — Awards Presentations hosted by Marina Cabo San Lucas adjacent to the fabulous launch ramp in Cabo. Free soft drinks and beer.

November 24, 4 - 7 pm Sunday — La Paz Beach Party at La Costa Restaurant. Mexican folk dancing, live music, food and drinks, door prizes, more. Free for the first 50 Baja Ha-Ha XXVI participants; everyone welcome.

Baja Ha-Ha, LLC
417 South Hill St., Suite 646
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Please Note: This is a mailing address only.