thelog.com
The Log • Mar. 25 - Apr. 7, 2016 • 3
2016 Newport to Ensenada race experiences increase in first-time participants
Tide is turning for annual com- petition as new courses, semi- nars, attractions draw in sailors.
By Ambrosia Brody
NEWPORT BEACH — The historical Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race appears to have overcome its rough patches of low boater turnout with race officials anticipating upward of 240 participants in this year’s race scheduled for April 22-24. For the first time in a long time the sun has begun to shine once again on the race that has battled low boater turnout tied to a bad economy, the swine flu, cartel violence, a rival race, a deadly accident and a washed out road to Ensenada. Newport Ocean Sailing Organiza-
tion’s (NOSA) Board of Directors – host of the race — believes things are finally looking up. “We are on a nice growth spurt,” said NOSA Commodore David Shockley about the uptick in race entries. “We are reaching additional sailors and expanding our race offer- ings.”
Entries for the 125-nautical-mile race were in decline following 2008 due
to the recession, the launch of the rival Border Run regatta and a tragic accident in 2012 that killed all four crew mem- bers aboard the 36-foot Aegean sailboat – the first fatalities in the race’s 65- year history. There were also concerns of violence in Mexico and the more than 300 boats in marinas impounded in 2014. The race experienced an all time low in 2010 with only 175 entrants. NOSA officials quickly began to work on luring sailors back to the popular race, which hit a high of 675 entrants in 1983 and typically stood at 300 to 500 entrants each year, by discounting the entry fee, working with Mexican tourism offi- cials, and holding seminars on how to purchase the 10-year Temporary Import Permit. In 2011 the race’s start- ing line was moved to just off the Newport Pier and the finish lines were moved as was the after-party from downtown Ensenada to Hotel Coral and Marina, a gated hotel with a mari- na.
adding new rules for sailors in hope of pre- venting any chances of a repeat incident. Rules now require all racers monitor VHF Channel 16 during the race; a mini- mum of two lookouts on deck at all times, and boats in the cruising class are not allowed to launch the autopilot when the engine is running. There are also more
race courses to choose from. “We’re looking for-
First time racers will compete in the annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race in April alongside several repeat competitors who have been participating in the regatta for several years.
“The hotel overlooks the bay; you can see the boats coming across the finish line and racers can bring boats into a marina” said Peter Bretschger, chief marketing officer for NOSA. “It adds to the camaraderie once down there.”
NOSA also responded to a report’s findings on the potential cause of the Aegean crash, which cited lack of an adequate lookout and led to the boat bypassing a marked waypoint, by
ward to creating as inclu- sive an environment as we can, to allow more boats to participate and
enjoy the excitement, competition and camaraderie of overnight coastal rac- ing to beautiful Ensenada, Mexico,” Shockley said in a statement. Racers can now select from three-
race course options and classes divid- ed into Maxi, PHRF, Multi/ORCA and Cruising. The main race is scheduled for 11 a.m. on April 22 with classes starting every 10 minutes, while the short course will start the same day but See RACE page 10
Relax with our Boat Concierge Services
Our unique Concierge Services are exclusively offered to our tenants, and membership is FREE. As a member, we will manage those annoying maintenance things you must do before you can enjoy your boat. Best of all, we do all this at ($2.95 LF (our cost) vs. $4.10 LF ± (SD market rates).
Concierge Services include: Professional Boat Detailing Bottom Clean Pump Out Valet Services
Some of the Best Rates in San Diego and your commitment is just month to month. The Savings just keep getting better.
Call our Dockmaster for details.
Boating Without the Hassle of Boating.
Boat Concierge
Services at Chula Vista Marina
Boat must be over 30’. No other discounts. Moorage and membership subject to boat application approval by CVM.
CHULA VISTA MARINA RESORT 619-862-2819
www.cvmarina.com 550 Marina Parkway Chula Vista, California 91910
boatslips@cvmarina.com
Laurie Morrison for NOSA photo
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
