Please select your home edition
Edition
Vetus-Maxwell 2021 v2 LEADERBOARD

Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race underway

by NOSA Communications 27 Apr 2019 17:37 AEST 26-28 April 2019
Lots of Action on the N2E Startline today © Tom Walker Photography

The 72nd Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race got under way today under picture perfect California skies and better than expected winds; to the cheers of a pier full of spectators who watched as the fleet sailed toward the horizon.

By 6 pm, all but one boat on the N2DP course had crossed the finish line. Blue Blazes was blazing the trail for San Diego course participants and was just 30 NM from the finish line. But three multihulls, Mental Floss II, Los Tres Amigos, and Uneven Keel were hot on the heels of frontrunners Anthem and Nui uliuli.

Pete Melvin was back to his winning ways piloting Jerry Fiat's AC45 from its ultra-exciting and crowd-pleasing start to the front of the pack by the time the hit Dana Point and by 6 p.m. was only 58 NM from the Ensenada finish line; but adjacent to San Diego Harbor.

While the majority of the fleet stuck close to the rhumb line en masse, as expected in lighter winds, (and looking like a school of sardines on the TB Tracker feed) the AC45 veered offshore in hopes of finding a few heavier gusts to keep the boat in optimal form. Instead, the tracker showed the water rocket slowing to only 8 knots; a far from record-setting pace. And a pace that would not likely get the boat to Ensenada before dark.

At about 6:30 p.m., the boat cut across the fleet and ducked into San Diego Harbor. Comments from Mr. Fiat and the crew about this N2E first and their adventure making it as far - and as fast - as they did, are pending.

Meanwhile, A Bell A Boy despite getting a few minutes head start has drifted to last place. If they finish before the Sunday 11 a.m. deadline, the tortoise could win the class.

"Thank you to all racers for making this day exciting for all of us to the port side of the course," said NOSA Vice Commodore Mary Bacon. "As each race peeled off the start line this morning, the excitement mounted. And after the start, watching the race on YB Tracker brought the racecourse to life."

Mid-Thursday afternoon, the NOSA Webmaster reported that heavy traffic for those following the YB Tracking resulted in a site crash. A quick systems upgrade and 40 minutes later, all was up and running again.

By 9:30 p.m. The Reichel Pugh 66 Alive was looking like the front runner to claim first to finish honors on the classic Ensenada course.

For more information visit nosa.org

Related Articles

Rolex TP52 Worlds in Cascais day 4
All on the line Sunday as American Magic Quantum Racing seek to close out eighth world title After three spectacular races today on Cascais, Portugal's showcase high winds arena, Doug DeVos' seven times world title winners American Magic Quantum Racing lead into the final day of the 2025 Rolex TP52 Worlds with a hard earned five points buffer. Posted today at 6:45 pm
North launches new Wingfoil Race Collection
Pinch even higher and reach even deeper at pace Pinch even higher and reach even deeper at pace. Engineered with a VMG-optimised partial double skin for improved aerodynamic efficiency, lower drag and precise manoeuvres at higher speeds. Posted today at 10:35 am
AEGEAN 600 Attica Warm-Up Race
5th edition sets sail with strong winds and signature Greek hospitality Under perfect sunny skies and brisk northerly winds, the 5th edition of the annual AEGEAN 600 kicked off with a flawless start both on and off the water. Posted on 4 Jul
GKSS Match Cup Sweden & Nordea Women's Trophy D5
Stage set for Finals showdown in Marstrand With just one day to go at the 2025 GKSS Match Cup Sweden and Nordea Women's Trophy, the stage is set for a thrilling finale in both the Open and Women's classes. Posted on 4 Jul
Sam Goodchild in the Course des Caps
The final phase is full of potential pitfalls Sam Goodchild, the British skipper of MACIF Santé Prévoyance who has been dominating the IMOCA round Britain and Ireland race since the start of the third day, says the goal now is to focus on the complex finishing section. Posted on 4 Jul
29er Europeans at Lake Garda day 2
Light breeze, boat park buzz and big wins off the water >Day 2 brought lighter winds to Lake Garda, but the energy around the event stayed sky-high. Posted on 4 Jul
Rolex TP52 Worlds in Cascais day 3
French tour de force gives Paprec world championship lead As the Rolex TP52 World Championship passed its midway point today in Cascais, Portugal it is the French underdogs on Paprec, led by ocean racing legend Loïck Peyron, which has taken the overall lead. Posted on 4 Jul
Rolex Fastnet Race IRC One preview
Beyond the French legends there is plenty of international talent with podium potential With 17 editions of the Rolex Fastnet Race to his name, including five class victories along the way and an outright victory in 2015, could anyone bet against Géry Trentesaux doing it again? Posted on 4 Jul
International Moth Worlds begin this weekend
Pre-Worlds are under way at Malcesine From 6 to 13 July 2025, the 2025 Moth World Championship officially gets under way, hosted by Fraglia Vela Malcesine and preceded by the Pre-Worlds on 4 and 5 July. The event marks the culmination of three weeks entirely dedicated to foiling. Posted on 4 Jul
K-Challenge gives opinion on proposed Protocol
Why the 38th edition could usher in a new era for the America's Cup Stephan Kandler and Bruno Dubois, Co-CEOs of K-Challenge, jointly stated: “The provisional Protocol published on 23 May 2025 by Defender Emirates Team New Zealand is an important step forward for the America's Cup." Posted on 4 Jul
RS Sailing 2021 - FOOTERRolly Tasker Sails 2023 FOOTERHenri-Lloyd Dynamic Range