What….No way!
Yep, Not kidding. The Baja Ha-ha was the most fun two weeks Lennie and I have ever had. It was so fun we still can’t peel the F’ing smiles of our faces. This event was created by a wild character named Richard Spindler and for years he owned Lattitude 38 which is the cool west coast sailing mag. He had the idea that many west coast sailors would want to get to the Sea of Cortez but the harsh 800 miles of Baja Coastline would prevent them from “making the jump”. Let’s face it, 800 miles of open ocean is not easy and needs a prepared boat and crew. The Ha-ha helps with cruising info and boat preparedness but what they really do is take the “us alone” feeling out of it. This year was the 24th annual Ha-ha and each year there are approximately 150 boats signed up. Comfort in numbers is what makes the Ha-ha special. And of course Richard’s one of a kind personality – which is a mixture of hilarious, heartwarming, and heroic. When Richard retires from the Ha-ha the event will never be the same.
Buddy Boat
When are you heading out? “Uh, not sure….maybe…tomorrow….maybe not….. “ These are the words we use when sailors ask us if we want to travel in tandem from point A to point B. Lennie and I have been lone cruisers for years. We travel alone and don’t want any commitments. Our time on the boat is limited and we are usually on a mission. The Ha-ha was the first time we prepped our boat and headed out of the harbor with a flotilla. We didn’t know what to expect. What happened was magic. Within the first hour we learned that people chat on the radio. Caught fish, have some wind, have a joke….Yes all is fair play on the radio net. If you are passing someone you give them a shout. Lennie and I started talking with other boats and it became half the fun. Within a few days groups emerged and not in a clique way but you can’t communicate with 150 boats so we did with about 10. It made the trip more fun and especially the shore parties where you could get together and swap stories. Now we are in the Sea of Cortez and soon heading to mainland Mexico. We see Ha-ha boats everywhere and its like bumping into old friends wherever we go. I could get used to this buddy boat thing.
Two sailboats going the same direction….
So the Ha-ha isn’t a race it’s a rally. But wait… they have a start and finish line…and they have a time sheet…. and they have a 5, 3, 1, minute warning gun and they have an awards ceremony? And almost everyone flies a speed sail like a spinnaker or code zero….yeah…..it’s no race. But we will work our asses off to beat every boat in this “Rally”
Below is the long awaited first leg of our time on the Ha-ha. I don’t have to explain leg 1 because you will see it here and its action packed!
Ron McKay
Love your video and story. Vivian and I love buddy boating and now that we purchased our cat we look forward to sailing perhaps as early as this summer. Plan to move our cat from Antigua to N.Y., out of hurricane season, then back to Carribbean for the winter.
Really like the day to day things that happens as you sail, we are learning a lot from you both.
Safe travels.
happytogether
Hi Ron, Thanks a lot. Exciting to move your boat that far for sure. Plus it will be fun to have it close to home and explore those waters. I am glad your getting value out of the videos. I am working on Leg 2 and 3 now. Lots more coming up on SV HT Cheers! Randy
Mike L
I think that is the most fun I have seen you two have thus far.
happytogether
Mike, I AGREE! LOL, Randy
Ben Acaster
Randy,
Update- our 45 will now be delivered in August in Dania Beach to Bob, not November. Still will be at The Annapolis boat show in October fully outfitted as the show boat.
Nancy and I will be at the Miami show Feb.15th.
Hope to see you guys there and your 50!
Ben and Nancy.
happytogether
Hi Ben and Nancy! Wow the time is ticking down now. We will see you at Miami and look forward to stepping on your boat in the fall! Randy
Rob
Gosh, what a fabulous life experience. Looking forward to possibly see you and Lenny in Miami Feb. 18. And thanks for all the wonderful videos! They require so much time, but are so helpful to those of us not cruising on a barebones budget.
When will you be getting your new Leopard 50? SO happy for you both!!
Rob & Colleen
{Colleen is 6′ tall so you’ll recognize us}
happytogether
Hi Rob and Colleen, We look forward to meeting you in Miami! Thanks for your comments and you must know how much effort goes into this production! New boat comes January 2019! Randy
Emily
Loved the videos guys!! Wow! It did look like you guys were having so much fun! It was just in your overall energy. You could feel it… So happy for you both!!! Best music placement, I think, of all the sailing vlogs, always. Great job ;o)
happytogether
Hi Emily! Thanks so much! What got you……Fantastic Voyage or Cool Change????? Music in a key factor in our videos and I love when it touches people. You will love leg 2 and 3. Our smiles just got bigger! Randy & Lennie
CAROL BROWN
I love the music in your videos and your upbeat and happy personalities. Even when things break or go wrong, I like the way you see it as a learning experience rather than some other channels who see it as a problem or a negative thing. You guys always see things on the positive side and just look ahead at how you will fix it rather then complaining about it or letting anything get you down. Great job, great videos, love them all.
happytogether
Hi Carol, Thanks so much for your comment. I am glad you like our videos and you can see the joy we share in cruising together and sharing the trips. Lots more to come! Thanks Randy