Baja Ha Ha????????

As we continue to plan our trip we wonder; should we go south with the "Baja Ha Ha", or should we go south by ourselves??

We have never been on the "Ha Ha", however we understand the Baja Ha Ha is a "cruiser's race" from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico sponsored by Latitude 38. At the end of hurricaine season 150-200 cruising boats leave San Diego for a 10 day race south. Two stops are planned. The first stop is at Turtle Bay 380 nautical miles south of San Diego. The second stop is at Magdellena Bay 380 nautical miles south of Turtle Bay. The finish line, 200 nautical miles further south, is at Cabo San Lucas at the tip of Baja. Parties are planned at each of the three stops . Awards are given to the winners at the party in Cabo San Lucas.

This all sound good, however, the problem is the time. The race, the parties all need to be completed in 10 days. To attend each party you must maintain an average speed of 4 knots to arrive on time. Racing to stops and parties does not seem in harmony with the cruising life.

Jerry Murphy says ".... what ever you do make sure you go with the Baja Ha Ha! You will meet new friends and you will see all throughout your Mexican cruising".

Captain Mark Philbrick says "....whatever you do do not go with all those novices on the Baja Ha Ha".

WHAT TO DO?????