Recreational boaters from all over the globe are gearing up for the West Coast’s largest sailing regatta, the Baja Ha-Ha. The annual event kicks off from Shelter Island in San Diego Bay at 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 4.
This is the 26th year of the festive rally, with 153 yachts making the 750-mile voyage from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. This year, sailors from California, Oregon, and Washington, along with some from as far away as Stockholm, Australia, and the Cayman Islands, will join the regatta.
At 10 a.m., the vessels will depart Shelter Island in a colorful parade, with many crewmembers adorned in festive costumes. The parade will be led by the San Diego-based sportfishing vessel, Dolphin. It kicks off with a blast from the original America’s Cup starting gun, with the starting signal fired by Ambassador Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, the Consul General of Mexico in San Diego. Other participants include Mark Stainbrook, Port of San Diego Harbor Police Chief; Captain of the Port Timothy J. Barelli, United States Coast Guard Sector San Diego; Sharon Cloward, President of the San Diego Port Tenants Association; and other representatives from San Diego and Mexico.
“The Port of San Diego eagerly looks forward to Baja Ha-Ha each year. This fun event celebrates camaraderie among the international sailing community, and is an important way to boost tourism,” said Garry Bonelli, chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners. “Baja Ha-Ha showcases the partnership between San Diego and Mexico and raises awareness of the many recreational and visitor opportunities on both sides of the border.”
Baja Ha-Ha is organized and sponsored by Latitude 38 Magazine. The Port of San Diego is a sponsor along with the Sportfishing Association of California and the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego.