Sail to Win Seminars presented for N2E Race participants this month

by Laurie Morrison on 7 Mar 2015 This month the Newport Ocean Sailing Association will present a series of five 'Sail to Win' seminars at a West Marine store near you. According to NOSA officials, the strategies and planning tips provided by veteran N2E racers and event sponsors will better equip those who attend to actually win the iconic Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race.

'The seminar will tell you everything that’s required to enter and competitively compete,' said Vice Commodore Tom Kennedy. NOSA offers the seminar series annually as a courtesy to racers and assist skippers in the proper preparation of their boats and crew. The seminars are especially helpful and are highly recommended for new N2E racers and those with no overnight race experience, officials said.

Topics presented include everything from setting up your watch, crew and meal schedules to how to conduct safety drills and practice sessions, along with night racing tips, sail trim according to weather and how to find wind. Most importantly, it covers necessary safety equipment for the race as adopted from US Sailing and PHRF regulations. Advance preparations for ease of entry and return from Mexico are also discussed.

A representative from returning sponsor Ullman Sails will speak at each seminar and advise racers about choosing the right sail for different wind and weather conditions.

All seminars, with the exception of Dana Point Yacht Club’s March 26 event, will be held at West Marine stores and will start at 7 pm. Staff of West Marine, a long-time race sponsor, will talk to attendees about provisioning boats and answer questions skippers may have about equipment.

For exact locations of the West Marine in each city, please visit website and register for the race while you are there. This year’s N2E starts off the Balboa Pier on April 24.

2015 'Sail to Win' Seminar Schedule

March 11 - Long Beach, West Marine
March 12 - Oxnard/Ventura, West Marine
March 18 - Newport Beach, West Marine
March 25 - San Diego, West Marine
March 26 - Dana Point, Dana Point Yacht Club