Cabo San Lucas

November 9th was the beginning of the 3rd and final leg of the journey. It was an early start, with roll call at 5:30 a.m. Roll call is like sitting in on a radio show, tuned into channel 16 on the VHF, with the Grand Poobah, DJ Richard, providing the latest weather reports, accounting for all the boats and jazzing everyone up for the upcoming events. The Captain chose to get a late start. After all, it’s the Baja Ha Ha and no one is really expected to be on time. We were able to sail most of the way which made for the most exciting leg of all. The winds were in our favor at about 15 knots out of the Northwest; ideal for spinnaker flying. Our green, red and white asymmetrical spinnaker was hoisted gracefully and quickly from its spinnaker sock mainly due to the experienced hands of Curt, Dawn and the captains direction. As it was asymmetrical, it enabled us not to have to use a spinnaker pole. It was a majestic site and it contributed a knot or two of delightful speed until suddenly, a too quick turn into the wind perhaps, caused it to tear and it was quickly pulled back into its handy sock. We arrived on the coast of Cabo San Lucas in the early morning of November 11th, we found it to be quite a contrast from the small fishing villages. The desolate cliffs suddenly transformed into urban sprawl of condos, hotels and other developments. We had arrived at last when we sailed around the corner into the bay, and we passed the famous stone arch which most associate with Cabo San Lucas.

The Captain had to visit customs to take care of all the necessary paperwork in order for us to be legal in Mexico. A new policy had recently been initiated that allows boats to register in just one port rather than at every port throughout the country. Many were pleased with this welcome change, as it saved time and money for all. While Jerry was taking care of the paperwork the rest of our crew piled into a taxi to a Laundromat. After two weeks on the boat, we were eager to take advantage of these Laundromats that wash and dry for $5 a bag. That evening the Sumatra crew had a celebratory dinner that included Champaign for all. We were celebrating not only our completion of the Baja Ha Ha, but also for our delight that although we had met as strangers, we were now bonded like family.

We relaxed the following day with the knowledge that the craziest party of all was to take place at Skid Roe that night. This infamous Cabo club has an open air dance floor with a balcony above where folks can watch the gyrating dancers below. Our group stood out from the crowd in their neon orange and aqua blue Baja Ha Ha t-shirts. Everyone seemed to be getting into the swing of things as the pulsating energy of the disco and techno beat blared out over the loud speakers. A DJ, standing high above throughout the evening. One after another of the crowd got up and danced on the tables, doing their special dance. Jello shots were passed out, contributing to the alcohol consumption at a rapid pace. A fun time was had by all as we continued our festivities in this never ending Baja Ha HA party.

The next day’s beach party was at the Mangroves restaurant in the harbor where we were anchored. A number of people swam to shore, quickly drying off in the tropical sun. Some folks played volleyball while others went swimming; many with drinks in hand. Many Mexican Indians walked by us countless times in the heat hoping that we would purchase their silver jewelry or colorful crafts, while others wanted to provide tattoos.

That night we all gathered for the Awards Ceremony that Richard hosted in the Marina. He dressed for the occasion wearing tuxedo tails with his trademark white shirt and Bermuda shorts. Beer, salsa, guacamole and chips were welcomed by the crowd as they took seats in a parking lot reserved for the occasion. Awards were for the winners of the various divisions within the Baja Ha Ha. Awarded were 1st place, 2nd place and everyone remaining in the division received a 3rd place, ensuring that no one was left without an award. This race was all about everyone having a good time after all. To entertain the crowd, Richard awarded other random awards including one to myself for being AWOL. I neglected to mention that after Squid Roe I had such a blast dancing that I continued dancing at The Zoo, an all night techno club with others from the crowd. We danced away the night only to find ourselves stranded with no water taxis available. Unable to get to our boats, we ended up getting a room and sleeping until past noon the next day. Fearing that I was missing, my crew announced their concern on the net. I then of course showed up at the beach party the next day to their relief and to Richard’s obvious amusement.

The Baja Ha was now officially over. Many contacts were made and the special bonds of the sailing community were cemented even further. Some boats would continue to La Paz and onto Puerta Vallarta while others would continue cruising Mexcio for the season and possibly years. Others would continue South, through the Panama Canal and onto the Mediterranean as Sumatra planned. I was sad to see the Baja Ha Ha come to an end but the inspiration gained from the many people I came into contact will always be with me, and no doubt, will motivate me towards my next sailing adventures...hopefully sooner than later.