Newport-Ensenada free race seminars start March 11, 2010

by Rich Roberts on 3 Mar 2010 After 62 years of the oldest of all races from the U.S. to Mexico, shouldn't everybody know how to sail the 125.5 nautical miles from Newport Beach to Ensenada?

Not necessarily. From year to year, the wind and sea conditions are seldom the same-and, of course, a number of competitors are doing it for the first time.

To promote safety and maximum performance in its premier event, the Newport Ocean Sailing Association is doing what responsible races do: offer free pre-race seminars that not only serve as primers for rookies but refresher courses for veterans.

One critical decision to be made almost every year is whether to sail inside or outside the Coronado Islands at the border. Stand by.

This year's series of seminars is already under way. There will be six more throughout Southern California through March 25.


The schedule:
Del Rey YC Thursday, March 11, 7 p.m.

Shoreline YC, Long Beach, Tuesday, March 16, 7 p.m.

San Diego West Marine, Wednesday, March 17, 7 p.m.

Seal Beach YC, Long Beach, Tuesday, March 23, 7 p.m.

Dana Point YC, Wednesday, March 24, 7 p.m.

Bahia Corinthian YC, Corona del Mar, Thursday, March 25, 7 p.m.


The subjects range from preparing your boat to racing at night to entering Todos Santos Bay and anchoring in Ensenada Harbor.

Expertise is provided by race veterans and representatives from Vessel Assist and North Sails---the latter discussing sail handling and trim.

So, do you go inside or outside the Coronado Islands at the border?

That's the simplest part: If your deck is wet as you approach the Coronados, go outside, because the breeze is from the sea; if your deck is dry, go inside, because the wind is from the California desert shore.

Vessel Assist boats will monitor the fleet down the Southern California coast to the border, from where a new branch of the Mexican Coast Guard will continue on station to ensure another safe race. A power cruiser also will accompany the fleet from start to finish.

The seminars also offer Information on new passport regulations for everyone crossing the border, including racers and those who choose to take a Carnival Cruise ship out of Long Beach during race weekend.

For families and friends driving to Ensenada, new, large directional signs in English have been placed over the roadways leading out of the San Ysidro border crossing to guide drivers past the outskirts of Tijuana and onto the free-flowing and guarded Highway 1 toll road directly to Ensenada.

NOSA also is working closely with the Mexico Tourism Bureau to arrange for an enjoyable weekend highlighted by a gala fiesta Saturday night, followed by the boisterous awards ceremony in the courtyard of the headquarters Bahia Hotel Sunday afternoon.

The race is open to boats from high-tech ocean racers to Mom and Pop trailerables. Classes will be established for designated Sport boats, including Melges 32, Melges 30, Melges 24, Farr 30 (formerly Mumm 30), Henderson 30, Turbocharged Hobie 33, Viper 830, Columbia 30-32, Flying Tiger 10M, B 32 and Antrum 27.

The minimum size limits are 18 feet for monohulls and 20 feet for multihulls.

Online entry is available on the website. The entry fee is $155 through March 31 and $205 afterward.

North Sails, the world's largest sailmaker, has joined the list of event sponsors and supporters that also include City of Newport Beach, Go Baja, The Pirate's Lair, Mount Gay Rum, Firebrand Media, Marriott Newport Beach Hotel and Spa, Connection to Cruise/Carnival Cruise Lines, Vessel Assist, Ruby's, West Marine and Weather Routing Inc.

Logistical support is provided by the Bahia Corinthian, Balboa and Newport Harbor Yacht Clubs.

http://www.nosa.org