The 2013 HaHa is threading a needle this time around

[rebel heart]

Current track models.

[bobconnie]

Good call Rebel, Always better safe then sorry !! Ya got to watch the weather when ya have a family with ya !! We wimped out many times rather then subject the kids to real bad weather!! There are times ya can't do much about it! but when ya can, it's only smart to hang around a couple extra days, I hope they stick around where they are a day or two more, if not the weather will make for more boats for sale in Mexico! Ive seen boats go for sale at the end of the HA HA before !! Hope all comes out good for them tho !!! With all the kids aboard it needs to be a little better !! LOL

[rebel heart]

News from yesterday, sounds like they're being smart about it.

The 20th annual Baja Ha-Ha has been like all the others that came before in that the conditions just keep getting better and better. The event started Monday morning in rainy conditions and, by the afternoon, the fleet were dealing with light headwinds. And, man, that first night was C-O-L-D!

Yesterday afternoon, we had 13 knots out of the northwest and smooth conditions. Now into the third day, we're 50 miles north of Cedros Island and the wind is blowing 15-18 knots out of the northwest. The sun is out with scattered clouds, and life looks lovely.

Well, except the National Hurricane Center is forecasting that a tropical storm will develop near Manzanillo and possibly head up toward Baja and Cabo. Hmmm . . . the Ha-Ha fleet and a tropical storm in the same place is not a good thing. We'll keep an eye on the forecast and see how things are developing when we reach Turtle Bay.

[rebel heart]

Current track models have it at 70%/80% chance of formation, crossing under Cabo and arching right into Mazatlan.

[senormechanico]

It looks like stopping for a bit in Turtle Bay is a no brainer.

Club Cruceros de La Paz - Weather

[rebel heart]

I totally agree with them that it's a small cyclone and the odds of it impacting them are near zero.

If it was my ass on the line, I'd still hang in Turtle Bay. "Commander's Weather and Rich at Lat 38 told me it was going to be okay," would be a pretty weak excuse.

Leg Three, to Bahia Santa Maria, is scheduled to begin tomorrow morning, although a building tropical depression could possibly cause a delay. At this writing, Commanders' Weather reports that all weather models agree that the system should not affect our course, as the system is expected to peter out south of Cabo San Lucas, where the rally is slated to conclude next Thursday.

[Pete7]

That doesn't look good, still the CG forecast F9 here too

[JPA Cate]

We've never stopped in Turtle Bay, hence my question: is there room with decent holding for 130 boats, plus the fishing boats?

Ann

[robert sailor]

Big Bay

[JPA Cate]

Big is good. How is the holding? [It used to have a reputation for poor holding.]

[Cheechako]

"Honey, we really shouldnt have invited the Mariachi Band to sail to Santa with us... they're pukeing all over the boat!"

[SV Maclas]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Big is good. How is the holding? [It used to have a reputation for poor holding.]

We found great holding near the town but can't speak to the holding in the rest of the large bay.

[Capt Phil]

The thing that has always concerned me about the Ha Ha is not so much the weather but the hundred or so boats filled with newbies all headed in the same direction at the same time. Granted there are some experienced folks in the mix but if the weather does kick up, the may days and pan pans will blanket the airways, particularly if the fleet has left Turtle Bay and is not yet as far as Mag Bay. Just hangin' around the docks in San Diego around the end of October can be a frightening experience knowing that the whole mob is off headed south as soon as their insurance kicks in... just an opinion... Phil

[svmariane]

Had the chance to chat with a few Ha Ha-ers in La Paz some years back. Across the board, they claimed to have joined the Ha Ha for the camaraderie, the fun parties, and social aspects of sailing as a group with the everyday check-ins, etc.

Well. We sail partly to get AWAY from the maddening crowds. And what is it, 300 bucks or more to join the Ha Ha? Do they realize how many "friends" they'd suddenly have if they showed up at a bar in Turtle Bay, then Mag Bay, with 100 bucks to plunk down for an open bar?

And I don't EVEN want to get started about sailing to a schedule....

[zeehag]

is why i sailed down in an april. no party boats no crowds and niiiice wind!!!!