Crews from Pilots to Retirees Head South for the 2026 Baja Ha-Ha

# Who's heading south

# Examples of crews and their plans

• Crescenta, Southern California.

• August Bernhardt: Mark Whitehouse and Tom Jacobs, sailing an Elan GT5 43 named August Bernhardt, will make the Ha-Ha with spouses Debbie Slee and Dana Jacobs. Their combined experience includes long passages such as Nanny Cay to Newport via Bermuda, Newport Beach to Cabo races, and international cruising in the Mediterranean and South Pacific. The four plan to continue cruising in the Sea of Cortez after the Ha-Ha and then fly home for Thanksgiving.

• Quixote: Charlotte and Elliott Metcalfe bought a 1993 Catalina 42 and refitted her in San Diego in time for the rally. Elliott, 60, a retired physician, and Charlotte, a Mary Kay sales director, will doublehand to Mexico. Their decision to cruise followed helping their son refit a Hans Christian in Puerto Peñasco and learning through local lessons and short voyages in San Diego Bay.

# What these crews reveal about the event The Ha-Ha attracts people who sail for different reasons: some seek long offshore challenges, others want a manageable cruise south and a community experience. Many crews are mixed in age and background and bring a combination of racing, passagemaking and cruising experience. Partnerships are often longstanding and sometimes international, which shapes life aboard — details like galley routines and shared customs get woven into the cruise preparation.

# Culture and humor afloat Several personal touches make the event social as well as nautical. Christian McLaughlin's favorite line is "Everything will kill you, so choose something fun." The article also defines an "Irish goodbye" — leaving a social gathering without formal goodbyes — and notes regional variants like the "Newport Ditch." These small cultural notes surface alongside practical sailing plans.

# After the Ha-Ha

# Practical takeaway for prospective participants Expect a heterogeneous fleet. If you're joining, match your crew selection, boat readiness and passage experience to the kind of voyage you want: social rallying, basic cruising, or longer offshore legs. The Ha-Ha provides both a rally framework and a wide community of sailors with varied skills and stories.