Counting down to 75th Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race

Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race © Tom Walker

Registration is closed and anticipation is ramping up for the 75th Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race's April 28 start.

Race week began yesterday when sailor and board member John Sangmeister spoke at the annual Yachtsman Luncheon at Newport Harbor Yacht Club.

Festivities kick into high gear with Thursday, April 27's pre-race VIP Buffet for skippers and their crew; at BCYC.

Doors open at 5:30. Dignitaries from Mexico and the city of Newport Beach will launch festivities with an earlier reception before sailors converge for friendly visits with competitors from other harbors - and celebrate being part of N2E's history.

Reservations are required and all attendees must have a wristband for entry.

nosa.org/event/racer-vip-buffet

Packet Pick Up opens on Saturday, April 22 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, then daily from 3 to 7 p.m. from Monday, April 24 through 10 a.m. race day.

And don't forget to keep the YB Trackers charged.

Commodore Mary Bacon and the entire board looking forward to welcoming the diverse fleet, skippers, and their crews. With 140 entries on two courses, officials are anticipating competitive races in all classes.

Friday's start will see two highly decorated multihulls face off in the quest for top, perhaps near back-to-back honors. Last year, NOSA Staff Commodore Bill Gibbs and crew (returning for his 23rd race), sailed away with five top trophies for the best time of Wahoo, his Schionning 1400 catamaran. In 2021, it was Jerry Fiat's Farrier 32 SRX Taniwha that was the big winner, also taking home five trophies for best overall honors. Taniwha regretfully sat out last year's race as the forecast for squally waves was deemed too risky for the lightweight trimaran.

Other winners who set personal bests last year are also back. Last year's winning-most newcomer, John Brynjolfsson, will defend Saga's in UL Maxi class, and Standish Fleming's J125 Nereid will look to repeat his trophy-winning coastal run.

While more than 20 sailors will take to the start line next for the very first time, and another 30 are returning. NOSA gratefully welcomes back Alec Oberschmidt aboard Staghound, SWYC, for an amazing-53rd time. Newport Beach's own IT'S OK, BYC, thanks to Andy Rose and crew, will celebrate their 52nd horn, while multiple-time PHRF winner Andy Horning will revel in Day Tripper IIs, SLBYC, 26th time to Ensenada.

Also new for 2023 is a strong showing by the growing J111 fleet, with five boats sailing in a competitive field of 16 Js from various SoCal harbors.

Best of luck and wind to all!