Setting sail with the Baja Ha-Ha rally!

The Baja Ha-Ha requires little introduction. It’s all in the name.

Started in 1994 by Latitude 38, a sailing magazine based in California, this informal rally was first organized to mark the start of the winter cruising season. Cruisers making the trip down Baja’s coastline can enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow sailors, the safety that comes with traveling with buddies, and the information, resources, and crew needed to make the journey. Boats may also choose to race rather than rally, but in either case, there are plenty of laughs along the way.  

The rally, or race, begins in San Diego and ends in Cabo San Lucas. Covering 750 nautical miles, this route stretches south along the Baja California peninsula where sailors can observe breathtaking coastal landscapes, enjoy tranquil anchorages, and visit vibrant seaside towns. To that end, there are two timed stops: First at Bahia Tortuga (Turtle Bay) and second at Bahia Santa Maria. Even the slowest of boats have a day and a half to enjoy each stop. And crew can decide to extend their stay or visit other anchorages if they prefer to stay in rally mode (you won’t want to miss the mystery band on Bahia Santa Maria that surfaces for one day a year, just for the Ha-Ha). 

Every year, sometime between the end of October and the beginning of November, the rally begins. This year it’s November 4-16. All boats over 27 feet are welcome, including power boats. Each owner is required to do their own inspection and preparation—the Rally Committee does not run inspections. They do, however, require that you have a VHF and sat-phone or satellite internet (cell phones don’t count) onboard, for sending and receiving email or SMS. You'll also need at least two crew onboard with offshore experience. Lucky for you, the Rally Committee helps connect captain to crew and crew to captain.

Registration this year opens May 9 at noon and closes September 4 at 5 pm PST. The entry fee is around $495 but if you are under 35 or your boat is under 35 feet they’ll bump it down to $450. Don’t wait around to sign up if you want to secure a dock in Cabo San Lucas—it’s first come first serve and there are only a few spots available. While the committee does assign berths in Cabo San Lucas, and provides the resources to do so in San Jose del Cabo, they do not for San Diego. But don’t fret! There are usually more spots available and a free anchorage near the marina if it starts to get crowded. 

Once you’ve sorted out the particulars and begun the trip south, you’ll usually be joined by some 150 boats and the mothership committee boat Profligate, a 63-ft catamaran. She’s been on over 40 trips up and down the Baja coast and the crew onboard have been on 100s of Ha-Ha legs to date (usually three legs per trip). You’ll be shepherded into the tradition—one that will celebrate its 30th birthday this coming Fall 2024.

Sailing conditions throughout the Ha-Ha’s life have typically included light to moderate winds and seas. For the 87 legs to date, only 2 of them have been upwind. And, for extra security and comfort, the rally provides weather forecasts so that you can set sail with a deeper understanding of the weather ahead of you. But it is still the Pacific. So, like with everything else in sailing, come prepared. 

The Baha Ha-Ha gathers boaters looking to experience the joys of sailing the Pacific—sailors share stories, offer a helping hand, and celebrate their achievements as they make their way to their final destination. While the rally is only two weeks, many go on to explore new parts of Mexico with new Ha-Ha friends. An epic way to start their cruising adventure!

Looking for a Ride on a Boat? or Looking for a Crew Member? Learn more here. 

Latitude 38 also has its crew list, and newsletter related to the Baha Ha-ha and other races, that you can join here: https://www.latitude38.com/crew-list-home/.

Interested in sailing Mexico? Check out our available Cruising Courses courses in the beautiful Sea of Cortez!