The Baja Ha-Ha Cruise
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Doug, George, Skip and Dave
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Started by Richard Spindler, (of Latitude 38), twenty-four years ago, the Baja Ha-Ha is a cruise that departs San Diego in October of each year. Its primary goal is to safely get a fleet of sailing vessels to Cabo San Lucas, with a couple of stops along the way.
This year, I got a chance to participate because Dave Allmen wanted to take Lahaina Roads on it. So on October 29, Dave, his brother Doug, long time friend Jim Long (a.k.a. Skip) and I departed from Oceanside to join up with the other 130 Ha-ha vessels in the Ha-ha fleet in San Diego.
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Lahaina Roads docked in San Diego.
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We skipped the Ha-ha parade in San Diego and made our way to Ensenada, checking in there and avoiding the crowds of boats that would be checking in, in Cabo san Lucas.
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Doug and Dave relaxing on deck.
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Docked at Ensenada.
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After a brief stay in Ensenada, we headed south for Bahia Tortuga or as we know it - Turtle Bay.
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Sailing southward wing-and-wing.
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A beautiful sunset at sea.
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Unfortunately, we didn't have much wind and ended up motor sailing most of the way. Regardless, it was a good run.
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Anchored amongst the fleet in Turtle Bay.
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Drone's view of the fleet in Turtle Bay.
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Time for fish tacos and a Corona at Maria's.
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Downtown Turtle Bay is a pretty quiet place.
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The Lahaina Roads crew in clean t-shirts getting ready to venture into town.
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The pier in Turtle Bay.
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Maria's from the air.
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Baja Ha-ha traditional beach party.
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Anchor lights on as evening approaches.
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During our two day stay in Turtle Bay, we walked through the small, dusty town, had fish tacos at Maria's and briefly attended the Ha-ha beach party.
The following day the fleet sailed out of Turtle Bay in 10-12 knot winds. The winds eventually blew 20- 25 knots, giving us a great three day sail to Bahia Santa Maria.
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The fleet leaving Turtle Bay for Bahia Santa Maria.
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Lahaina Roads at sail.
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A visit by dolphins is always a welcome treat.
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Skip in Bahia Santa Maria with a full moon behind him.
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Doug, Dave and Skip on the beach in Bahia Santa Maria.
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Local fishing pangas in the village.
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In Bahia Santa Maria, the Ha-ha typically sponsors a big lunch party on shore. Mexican families come from quite a distance to prepare a meal and even bring a local band to play for the fleet.
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Baja Ha-ha lunch festivities.
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Dave brought candy for the village kids.
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After a two day stay in Bahia Santa Maria, the fleet picked up anchor and headed for the final stop of Cabo san Lucas.
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The fleet sailing towards Cabo san Lucas.
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Approaching Cabo.
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The quintessential arch of Cabo.
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At dusk, anchored along the beach in Cabo.
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Baja Ha-ha party at Squid Roe in Cabo.
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Aside from the final awards ceremony, in which everyone is awarded a prize, the other fleet sponsored event is an evening of dancing at Squid Roe. We stayed for a while but opted for some more fish tacos at a nearby taqueria.
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Waking up to a surprising guest in the harbor.
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After anchoring overnight, we left Cabo and headed for San Jose del Cabo, just 17 miles around the corner. We arrived in Puerto Los Cabos and docked there until I flew back home. Meanwhile, the crew's other half (Kristi, Carolyn and Lee) had flown in from San Diego and were staying at a hotel in Cabo san Lucas.
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Docked in Puerto Los Cabos.
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Stay tuned for Part II - The Voyage Back to Oceanside.
