Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race 2021 Sails tomorrow

Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race 2021 Sails tomorrow

Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race 2021 sails tomorrow

Sport

By NOSA
23/04/2021 - 11:39

What: Hosted by the Newport Ocean Racing Association, the beloved Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race is an eclectic mix of serious sailors campaigning million-dollar yachts racing alongside recreational cruisers in an effort to break records, win one of more than 40 trophies and participate in this iconic race known for its camaraderie and the promotion of the sport of ocean sailing.

After having to cancel the race last year due to uncertainties in the early months of the pandemic, the race is back on three courses, the classic 125-nm race to Mexico, a longer race to San Diego, and the sprint course to Dana Point. Thanks to the reduction of Covid restrictions and with the Mexican Navy offering landing assistance, sailors will safely be able to disembark and enjoy Ensenada.

Some local, traditional pre-race events were scratched this year and the trophy ceremony is likely to be conducted in shifts in consideration of Ensenada’s restrictions. But as always, the main event is on the water. “The race is about opportunities, the journey, and friendships,” said John Sangmeister who spoke at a luncheon yesterday. “Sailing is a great joy that we get to share on a beautiful, Orange County Day,” he said wishing the competitors a fun, exciting, and safe race.

Jerry Fiat’s last attempt at Ensenada was in an AC45, a former Oracle training boat. This year, he returns with a Farrier 32SRX folding trimaran with renowned sailor, yacht designer Pete Melvin aboard. Melvin won N2E in 2014 aboard the 30-foot multihull Mama Tried.

Roy Disney’s new Pyewacket, a Volvo70 that just broke a race record to Cabo San Lucas, will make its N2E debut.

4U, a 16-foot RS Venture will also make its race debut. Not a stranger to the Newport Harbor, the boat’s specially designed seating accommodates sailors with disabilities. Sailing tomorrow will be JP Van Houden, 53, who contracted Parkinson’s Disease 20 years ago but does not let it keep him from athletic endeavors. Peter Phillips from Challenged Sailors San Diego will crew.

The Storm Trysail Club of New York has offered a trophy for the best team effort. Three boats (only two in the same class) will win.

Records to wacht: In 2016, the trimaran Orion, a MOD70, set the record for the fastest elapsed time on the 125-NM course at 5:17:26. The monohull record of 9:35:34 was set the same year by the 63 Reichel Pugh, Aszhou.

Ppress boat: will board race day from:
 
Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, 1601 Bayside Dr., Corona del Mar.
The boat departs at 10:00 a.m. to return by 1:00 p.m. Light lunches and beverages provided.
 
Please RSVP to hold your spot.

Once again, we thank Jim and Lori Buchannan for the use of their fabulous 43-foot Mikelson fishing boat, Shootist, as the official press boat.

Background:  First run in 1948, the N2E has become a time-honored event for Newport Beach, the City of Ensenada, and sailing enthusiasts who come from across the country to compete. In recent years, great winds have tested and challenged the skills of crews, many of who only sail overnight on this race.
 

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2021 International Breakfast Meeting was held digitally on 20 April