Anticipation begins for 75th Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race
by Newport Ocean Sailing Association 20 Apr 2023 00:41 UTC
April 28-30, 2023
Boats start off the Balboa Pier on April 28 at 11 a.m. Last year's start featured strong winds, lots of grit and determination, and the beautiful city of Newport Beach in the background © Laurie Morrison for NOSA
Registration is closed and anticipation is ramping up for the 75th Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race's Friday, April 28 start.
Race week began today when sailor and board member John Sangmeister spoke at the annual Yachtsman Luncheon at Newport Harbor Yacht Club.
Newport Ocean Sailing Association Commodore Mary Bacon and the entire board will welcome to the course a diverse fleet of sailboats, skippers, and their crews. With 137 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 Bills 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.
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.
Festivities kick into high gear with Thursday, April 27s pre-race night VIP Buffet for skippers and their crew at BCYC. Doors open at 5:30. Dignitaries from Mexico and the city will launch festivities with an earlier reception before competitors converge for friendly visits with competitors from other harbors - and celebrate being part of N2E's history.
View 2023 Entry List