Artist Carole Boller Commissioned for N2E's Annual Artwork

The Newport Ocean Sailing Association has commissioned esteemed local artist Carole Boller to create its annual artwork, a celebrated tradition that captures the spirit of the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race.

“Sailors Delight”, a 24’ x 30’ oil on linen painting, portrays classic yachts against a brightening amber sky amidst wind and waves which evokes the feeling of sailing while reflecting the early years of this iconic race.

“I am pleased, honored and delighted to have been selected by the NOSA’s Commodore to paint this year’s image,” said Boller.
 
Images of “Sailors Delight” will appear on the cover of the annual race program, on printed and digital event invitations, on racewear and other promotional materials. Prints will be available for purchase.

NOSA Commodore Daniel Hodge said he tasked Boller to create something exciting, colorful and dynamic; a feel the wind-in-your-face painting. He also stressed the importance of having a local artist involved since the race is so vested in the history and culture of its namesake city.

Boller grew up in the Midwest, got her pilot’s license and graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago with a Masters of Fine Art before moving here. Finding wind and air traffic conditions less favorable for flying and more conducive for sailing, she enrolled at Orange Coast College to learn basic sailing.  So enamored, she bought an Islander 32, aptly named En Plein Air and became a part of local the sailing community.

Boller first volunteered with N2E in 2004 handing out skipper’s packets at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club. The Laguna Beach resident still volunteers for NOSA, working this year at events like the VIP Skipper’s Reception days before the race.

NOSA also commissioned Boller to create the race’s annual artwork in 2016 and 2007.

“What a gift to me that throughout my years in Southern California, I have had the opportunity to get to know this sailing community and to be able to paint a story of the race,” Boller said. She hopes that racers will see the painting and feel that it conveys the sensations of sailing.  

Later this year, Boller will be exhibiting at the famous Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival and will be lead an artist’s retreat and workshop to Eastbourne, England a seaside town on the English Channel. Here at home, Boller teaches a painting class on Balboa Island twice a month on Thursdays, called “Art with a Twist.”

Following the race, board members decide the painting’s destiny. The works of art have been donated to charity, gifted to the local mayor, auctioned for charity or bequeathed to the Commodore as a thank you. Larger limited edition prints are historically given to foreign dignitaries and sponsors as a thank you and potentially generating additional exposure for the artist.

Registration for the 71st annual N2E is in full swing. More than 40 classes of sailboats will race from the Balboa Pier on one of three courses April 27. To catch up or sign up, please visit nosa.org.