New Energy for Newport to Ensenada Race

by Laylan Connelly, OC Register
It has been rough waters over the past decade for the Newport to Ensenada yacht race.

From the spike in Mexico’s crime to the crash deaths of four participants in 2012 to a simple lack of wind in 2015, it’s been a struggle for the 69-year-old event to maintain momentum. Once touted as the world’s largest international race with more than 600 yachts entered annually in the’ 80s, it hit an all-time low when only 168 joined the race in 2014.

But organizers say participation is on the upswing. More than 200 boats are registered for this year’s event, which kicks off Friday (Apr 22) from Southern California, with a particular surge in newcomers.

Changes to the event have infused new life into the race, known for its competitiveness, but also for its fun-filled festivities for those who make it to the finish line.

“A lot of new energy is going into the race,” said race spokesman Peter Bretschger.

New this year is a short course leaving from San Diego, for those who don’t want to do the entire 125-mile route from Newport Beach.

Three years ago, organizers shifted the party area from downtown Ensenada to a resort, to consolidate the racers in one place, allowing people to watch the boaters at the finish line.

Among the newcomers entered is David Normandin, who took up sailing when he was in high school in San Diego. “I do like most people do and get older. You get a job, get married and have kids and before you know it, you don’t do many of the things you used to like to do,” he said.

Two years ago, he decided to buy a 48-foot boat and get back into sailing. Then there was a big push by his club, the Dana Point Yacht Club, for race participation. So he teamed with seven other sailors – many of whom have done the race before – to make the trek across the border.

“I’m more excited than I am nervous,” Normandin said about his first overnight race. “I think that if you’re prepared up front and you’ve done your homework, you understand what to expect. And when you’re bringing experienced people, you’re putting yourself in a position to succeed.”

As much as he’s looking forward to the race, its party reputation is an added perk. “You have people coming together to celebrate the event, no matter how you did,” he said.

For Santa Barbara sailor Jim Voorhees, the race continues a family lineage of sailors. His grandfather, Walter Whitney, sailed the race in the ’50s. Voorhees, 62, learned to sail on his grandfather’s boat, Nova.

“That’s my first memories of being on the ocean and being out sailing, back in those early days,” he said.

Now, he plans to do the race with his 34-year-old son Adam. “It seems like a fun distance to have for our first race. Nothing like we’re heading around the world,” he said. “I’m sure we’ll have fun.”