BAJA HA-HA PROFILES, PT II — W
hen we reached the entry deadline for this year's Baja Ha-Ha cruiser's rally late last month, we were struck by the irony of the fleet totals. Despite the dour recession, last year's total of 193 was an all-time high, and this year's 188 is a close second. But perhaps those numbers have more to do with pragmatism than irony. The way we figure it, the 2010 fleet members probably belong to one of two groups, the first being comprised of folks who've been working toward the goal of long-term cruising for so long that virtually nothing is going to stop them from realizing their dreams. And we'd guess that the others are sailors who may not have much cash flow, but figure, "What the heck? The boat's paid for and it's a whole lot cheaper to live in Mexico, so let's set a course for mañanaland." As in years past, 2010 Ha-Ha'ers come from a wide range of backgrounds and the boats they sail on are equally diverse. You'll meet a slew of them here, in this second installment of mini-profiles, and the remainder next month.
Sam and Nancy will 'go around' on 'Windfall'.
Ha-Ha will be the beginning event in their proposed circumnavigation. After cruising Mexico, they'll head to the South Pacific. Sudden Stops Necessary — Beneteau First 38s5 Chet Chauhan, San Francisco Quote: "I hope to be the first British, Kenyan-born sailor of East Indian descent to sign up for the Ha-Ha 2010." I'O — Davidson 44 Robert & Bobbie Kuschel Redwood City Noteworthy: This aluminum-hulled, Laurie Davidson-designed, fractional sloop is a former racer that supposedly helped break the IOR rule. Mazu — Outbound 46 Mel & Elaine Bryson, Rainier, OR Noteworthy: The Baja Ha-Ha will be the initial leg of the realization of a long-delayed dream that originated in Lahaina, Maui in '78; namely, to sail to the South Pacific on an open-ended voyage. Let the adventures begin!" Double Dharma — Hunter 466 Dale & Dena Snearly, San Leandro Quote: "Shift change! We have retired and are beginning our new life as fulltime cruisers exploring the beautiful waters of the world."
Mexico awaits Leanne and Jack of 'Red Sky'.
Red Sky — Moody 54 Jack & Leanne Hembrow Brisbane, Australia Noteworthy: This Aussie couple has already done several South Pacific rallies. After the Ha-Ha they plan to eventually transit the Panama Canal and join the ARC Europe Rally in May 2011. Content — Perry/Litton 47 William Holmes & Paula Collins Homer, AK Quote: What's the most interesting thing about this 1979 Robert Perrydesigned cutter? "It's paid for!" Windfall — Maple Leaf 42 Sam & Nancy Cockrell, Portland, OR Noteworthy: For Sam and Nancy the Page 116 •
Latitude 38
• October, 2010
Robert and Bobbie's 'I'O' is Aussie-built.
Sulaco — Swan 371 Glenn Brake, Marina del Rey Quote: "The last time I went down the Baja and back up was in a Columbia 24 with a 6hp outboard. This trip should be more friendly." Symphony — Fuji 32 Joel Tuttle, San Francisco Quote: "Realize your dream of casting off and sailing into the unknown, knowing that in years to come today's dream will be tomorrow's reality."
Coppertop — Bayfield 32 Paul Moran, Brookings, OR Noteworthy: After the rally, Paul plans to do a Pacific circuit: the Puddle Jump to French Polynesia, north to Hawaii, then home to the Pacific Northwest. Wind Rose — Cabo Rico 40 Walter & Patricia Simmons Los Angeles Quote: "The Wind Rose has taken good care of the Simmons family. She has helped us to weather storms, strengthen family ties, nurture a sense of adventure, and renew our faith. Now she will show
