Nearly 200 sailboats will leave Newport’s familiar coastal waters and make the 125 mile trek to Ensenada, Mexico when the annual Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race gets underway on Friday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m. off the Balboa Pier.
Dubbed the “world’s largest international yacht race,” the boats (and crews) compete for a variety of trophies and prizes in an event that started back in 1948.
The Newport to Ensenada Race is organized by The Newport Ocean Sailing Organization. NOSA’s Commodore, Chuck Iverson, said the public is encouraged to come out on the Balboa Pier and watch the start of the race.
“We start smaller boats first, large ones go last. It’s an amazing sight” with so many boats racing at once down the coast, said Iverson.
Some boats make it to Ensenada the same day, others arrive on Saturday—the day of the big fiesta at Coral Hotel for the boat crews and family members.
“Sunday is the trophy presentation, with dignitaries from Ensenada and the mayor of Newport Beach,” said Iverson. “We have a $2,000 watch from Black, Star and Frost as a grand prize. The winner of each racing class is entered in a drawing for the watch.”
There is bus service back to Newport Beach that afternoon for those not making the return trip via boat.
For more information, call (949) 644-1023 or visit newporttoensenada.com.
