New format to challenge 14-Mile Bank Racers this October

by NOSA Communications on 5 Sep 2015 Officials with the Newport Ocean Sailing Association have announced that the 14-Mile Bank Race October three will be held in pursuit format and that the addition of a shorter tandem course will raise the level of competition to the race that is for many the last distance contest of the year.

This will be the first time in the 64 history of the 14-Mile Bank Race that it is being held in pursuit format. NOSA officials also believe that it will be the first time a pursuit race has been held from Newport Harbor. “If the handicaps are right, the first boat to finish will be the winner, regardless of size or class,” said NOSA Vice Commodore Jerry Moulton.

Race officials will decide which entries will run which course based on class and ratings. All classes are invited to participate. Usually, the slower boats start first and the larger boats catch up; in pursuit. The larger, faster boats will go all the way to the 14 Mile Bank; the geographical point also known as Laussen Knoll, round a virtual mark and return for a 28 nm course.

The shorter course starts at the same point but will round a mark only seven nm offshore before heading home. All boats will finish outside the harbor entrance and crews will retire to the Balboa Yacht Club for trophy presentations.

Conditions in October, variable winds and changing weather cycles potentially make the 14-Mile Bank one of the most challenging races of the year. “It’s the unpredictability, the opportunity for greater variations in wind and weather that make it exciting,” said Moulton. Although last year’s race was called due to a lack of wind, great winds highlighted the year before. And with weather officials forecasting El Nino conditions, the last offshore race of the year could be climatic.

Competitors are invited to review the Notice of Race and register at our website.

NOSA also hosts the iconic Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race held each April. Boats that entered the 2015 N2E and sign up prior to 1700 Sept. 26 will not pay to enter. All other boats entering the race before the same deadline will pay a $25 entry fee. Late entries, accepted until 1700 on Oct. first, will be charged $50.00.