American Legion Yacht Club to host N2E pre-race Sail Away Party

by Laurie Morrison on 4 Apr 2015 2015 Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race - Members of the Newport Ocean Racing Association, hosts of the 68th annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race have announced that the treasured and hospitable American Legion Post 291 and its yacht club will host the new Sail Away annual pre-race party April 23.

NOSA believes the move will reinvigorate the event that used to attract enthusiastic crowds of racers and well-wishing support crew in years past but has not been so well-received since moving to a restaurant venue.

The party, exclusively for skippers, crew and invited guests starts at 6 p.m. Vessel Assist will shuttle guests from their boats to the American Legion guest dock while boats operated by the Boy Scouts Sea Base will circle every 30 minutes from Balboa Yacht Club until 10pm. Enter via the west entrance, next to the parking lot.

“We want it to be a fun event; a good time,” said ALYC Staff Commodore Jon Reynolds. “We’re hoping that racers enjoy our yacht club and the camaraderie that this race is all about.” Reynolds said many ALYC members sail N2E and compete for the Most Entries trophy.

Registration tables will be set up outside the west entrance for quick access and the purchase of food and drink tickets. Lot parking is for members only, but side streets offer free parking within an easy walk if party-goers have to drive.

The club will offer pub-style food and a full bar featuring NOSA libation sponsors, Stella Artois beer and Hotel California Tequila. A local band favorite, the Nomads, will provide entertainment. Raffle tickets will be available for sponsor-provided services and merchandise.

One of the best features of the club, Reynolds said, is the combination of plentiful outdoor areas along with an interior set up with room for entertainment and conversation.

“ALYC is putting in a lot of work to make this happen. But we all think will be a great match; a relaxed venue with great food and reasonable drink prices,” said Tom Kennedy, NOSA vice commodore. “We want this to launch a new era of pre-race parties.”

Racing starts off the Balboa Pier, Friday, April 24 at 11a.m The Sail Away party is just one of several events before the race.