At 1100 local time (1900Z) this morning 168 yachts with 730 crew crossed the start line for the 13th Baja HaHa rally of 720 miles from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. Volare was amongst the fleet. We have settled down to a nice 6 kts and the sun is just starting to break through. We have just put the trolling line over the back, we have the Gypsey Kings singing 'Volare' on the stereo and life is good. We have Gail (Debbie's sister) and her husband Milton on board for the trip.

Yesterday, West Marine sponsored the annual kick off party for entrants and if that party was any indication of what we can look forward to as we get down the coast, we're in for a fantastic time. It was fancy dress and we went as The Crocodile Hunter complete with an inflatable croc flown especially from Australia for the occasion. Deb wrested the croc to the ground and won first prize in her category - another pair of binoculars - courtesy of West Marine.

Well that's it for now. Just wanted to report in that we were finally on our way home to Australia (with a few stops on the way). I think it's time to go on deck and set the spinnaker.