N2E 73: Pre-race traditions return

John Sangmeister speaks at a 2019 NYHC event. He'll be NOSA's 2021 Yachtsmen's Luncheon Speaker on April 21 © Newport Ocean Sailing Association

The annual Yachtsmen's Luncheon, a longstanding N2E tradition held the Wednesday before the race will resume this year at Balboa Yacht Club.

The cost of the April 21 event is $20 per person, cash at the door. Seating capacity is determined by county health standards and all COVID protocol will be observed.

Please make reservations at nosa.org/yachtsman-luncheon-2021-rsvp

NOSA Board Member John Sangmeister will speak. Sangmeister is a passionate sailor and a well-known entrepreneur who was co-entry chairman for the 2019 Transpac and is on the Board of Directors for U.S. Sailing.

Sangmeister spoke at a 2019 Newport Harbor Yacht Club luncheon at about growing the sport of sailing. "If you believe in the sport, then join US Sailing," Sangmeister requested at the time. "If you believe in the sport, participate, help develop the next generation, inspiring them and show up in our boats."

Sangmeister has long been inspiring others to get on the water and sail. In 2015, he was the first entry into N2E's Unlimited Class and raced a NACRA F20 Carbon full foiling catamaran. In 2019, the AC45 catamaran entered in the same class.

Through the years, he has raced a Santa Cruz 70, a Formula 40 catamaran, and a 70-foot stretched ORMA trimaran. He also sailed with Dennis Connor on the 1987 and 1992 Stars and Stripes American's Cup campaigns. Over the last decade, he's sailed frequently with family. The owner of Gladstone's Long Beach is also a frequent sailing sponsor.

Handicapped parking is available in the BYC lot by the front door. Curbside parking along Bayside Drive for non-BYC members.

Currently, more than 170 boats have registered for N2E 73 which will start on three courses off the Balboa Pier on April 23.