N2E Sails Tomorrow off the Balboa Pier, windy Conditions Expected

Weather reports for Friday's start of the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race predict windy and wavy conditions and the fleet of racers on three courses are preparing to take on Mother Nature in an epic, potentially record-setting, sailing adventure.

The celebrations in Ensenada will be two-fold; honoring more than 30 trophy winners on Sunday, and commemorating the past 75 years that NOSA has steadfastly committed to offering Southern California sailors the best in competitive coastal sailing, adventures; and history-making memories.

Although expected winds imply that first-time entry Rio100, a custom Bakewell White, will likely best the current elapsed time record for a monohull (9:35:34), Manouch Moshayed and crew will have to maximize the 100-foot sloop's potential to overcome the highest handicap rating of the fleet (-213).

N2E has long been a favorite of Southern California sailors – and a bucket list regatta for racers across the US and Canada - because of the camaraderie, the fun, and that regardless of size, those who sail well and finish, could win!

As said succinctly by Yacht Designer Alan Andrews, sailing again on John Raymont's modified Ker 51 Fast Exit II –overall winners of last month's Puerta Vallarta Race – you have to win your class to take home the big prize.

In 2009, Doug Baker's Magnitude 80, set a new record for monohulls that stood for seven years. But it was Cleve Hardaker's Sojourn a Catalina 30 in PHRF K that won Best Overall Corrected Time honors despite finishing 10 hours later.

Connecting With Family:

N2E is also known as a family event. Many members of the Richie Family have sailed N2E on Amante, their 40-year-old 48 Choate, for just as many years, winning their class multiple times.

Four-time class winner Philip Herzfeld, and NOSA's Vice Commodore of Administration, will once again be sailing his Beneteau 48OC, Mastiha, alongside his daughter.

And George Hershman is bringing his daughter and a CBYC junior aboard the R/P 63 Good Energy (sistership to monohull record holder Aszhou) for their first long-distance race. "The Ensenada race was my first distance race with my Dad when I was 10, so this will hopefully make great memories for them," Hershman said.

Returning: Speaking of children, the double-handed team of Dan Rossen and Richard Whitely will be sailing Problem Child, a B32 in hopes of winning the Volvo Best Corrected trophy for a 10th straight time. The duo will have competition this year from neighboring Balboa Yacht Club and NOSA Staff Commodore Gator Cook and his lone crewmate aboard the family boat Patty Jean, a Catalina 42.

The Storm Trysail Club has again offered a trophy for the best team effort. Three-boats teams from two classes with the fastest combined time will win. Seven formidable teams have entered. After the race, sailors may even qualify as members.

Press Boat Cancellation:

Photographers, please note there will not be an official press boat this year.

Longtime NOSA Press Liaison Bill Long will be stationed on the Balboa Pier as of 10 a.m., Friday to greet, speak with, and answer questions anyone may have. He can be reached directly at 949-683-4990.

NOSA is appreciative of Jim and Lori Buchanan's willingness to provide their Michelson 42 Sport fisher Shooter as the press boat for the past few years. However, the comfort of all aboard is everyone's top priority.
The Annual Racer's VIP party at BCYC starts at 5:30 p.m.

Dignitaries from Mexico and Newport Beach, including Mayor Armando Ayala and Mayor Kevin Muldoon, will be joining the festivities this year. Members of the press who would like to interview officials or skippers, or view boats in advance of tomorrow's start are welcome to attend with an advance RSVP.

No one will be admitted to the clubhouse without a wristband.

Background:
First run in 1948, the N2E has a storied history of mixing professional racers, celebrities, and recreational sailors to become a time-honored tradition for Newport Beach, the City of Ensenada, and sailing enthusiasts who come from across the country to compete. More than 40 trophy categories in monohull, multihull, and cruising classes give this race a wide appeal and bucket-list status.

In honor of NOSA's 75th anniversary the celebrations in Ensenada will be two-fold; for the successful racers, many trophy winners, and an organization that for the past 75 years has taken sailors on a fun, competitive coastal sailing adventure; making history and memories along the way.