Baja Ha-Ha 2010

The fleet leaving San Diego

On October 25, we readied the sails and prepared for the "Big Race." Alongside 196 other boats, from all over the U.S. and Canada, we looked for the perfect position to start (Dad and I chose the back). The weather was questionable with 15-20 knots of wind and approximately 4-6 ft. seas; but, although we were tossed around a bit, we both agree that exiting San Diego was some of our best sailing yet. For 4 hours we sailed at about 7 knots, but still couldn't managed to keep up with the fleet. And so our adventure continues...


Me steering the boat during the start of the race
(With my Halloween bow-tie...Dad's idea to wear them...awesome)

Dad's turn to drive...sweet tie, right?

The last we saw of the fleet for the first leg of the race.

As we continued through the first leg, we encountered rough seas (probably our roughest yet), light winds, a few minor motor issues, and our first taste of the Mexico sun. I also celebrated my 22nd birthday. Dad and I quickly understood why a 27 foot boat is the smallest vessel allowed in the Ha-Ha race...it's pretty hard to keep up with the 40 footers (oh who am I kidding...it's hard to keep up with the 30 footers, too). Despite our slower pace we managed to make it to all the anchorages (although we arrived at each a day behind the fleet) where we met a variety of incredible people and, hopefully, long lasting friends.

Sailing along the Baja, Leg 1

Dad waves, "Happy Birthday, Kelly!"
(Yes, he's still in foul weather gear...yes, we are in Mexico
...the sun wasn' that warm yet)

Me smiling, celebrating my 22nd birthday on the open
water.

The second leg of the trip started from Turtle Bay and took us to Bahia Santa Maria. On October 30th, we lifted the anchor and continued down the coast. Here we encountered lighter winds and calmer seas and continued to cruise at our average 4.7 knots (keeping the motor running almost the entire way). During this leg, however, we were able to cook dinner underway for the first time (hot dogs and chili...anything other than PB&J and granola bars was fine by me), as well as sail wing-and-wing (a downwind sailing technique). The sun was a little warmer and we finally started to feel like we were in Mexico (although we still wore the foul weather gear at night...we just can't seem to put it away). Dad also did some fishing this leg...no keepers, but plenty were caught.

The fleet leaving Turtle Bay, start of Leg 2

Sea Chaser under full sail leaving Turtle Bay

"Quick! take a picture...wing-and-wing!"

A Mexico sunset

Dad fighting the "big one"

Dad's catch

The second leg ended in Bahia Santa Maria. Here Dad and I anchored close to new friends, and crew of fellow Ha-Ha boat, Rainbow. Upon our arrival (a day behind the fleet, typical) they made us dinner consisting of freshly caught tuna, pasta, and homemade carrot cake accompanied by ice cream! What a treat! The following day we attended the fleet beach party where we chatted, drank, and ate all day...it was a relief to be on solid ground for a few hours. After the party, Dad and I decided (well Dad decided, I don't think I actually had much say in the matter...) that we should leave that night to get a head start on the third and final leg to Cabo. In the end it was a good decision. (I should have known, isn't it an unwritten rule that the Captain is always right?) We were able to pass the finish line into Cabo with the fleet, a priceless experience.

Bahia Santa Maria anchorage

Dad and I at the beach party

Santa Maria beach and anchorage

The last leg was a bit choppy and entering Cabo we had 35 knot winds on our nose...apparently this has never happen before in the 17 years that the Ha-Ha has been happening (of course it would happen the year we decide to participate, haha). Needless to say, anchoring once we arrived in Cabo with those winds, was a bit of a challenge. I probably yelled more at Dad during that hour than the entire trip combined, but we managed.

The sunrise over Cabo

Dad tying down sails during the rough Cabo water

An action shot of Sea Chaser entering Cabo

Despite a few minor mishaps and a slightly slower pace, we survived the race! We made it to Cabo San Lucas with the rest of fleet where we enjoyed a few days of much needed R&R (we even spent a night in a hotel as a treat). The race was a great experience for both of us where we gained more sailing knowledge, added another 700+ miles to our log book, and met some great people. I continue to tell Dad that although this trip has had it's moments of rough water, strong winds, and times when I wished I was on solid ground instead of bobbing around in the ocean, I wouldn't trade it for anything. The people that I've met (especially those in the Ha-Ha Rally...you know who you are) and the memories I've shared with Dad, make up for everything.

Ken, Gerard, Me, and Frank at Baja Brewing Co.

The Cabo anchorage