BAJA CRAWL: Fear of Easter bunnies dominate race

Published on March 25th, 2013

With a challenging forecast ahead, the 800 mile Newport to Cabo San Lucas (MEX) race has extended the finish time limit to noon on Saturday. Three boats from the initial field of 31 have now withdrawn due to light winds: Expression Session (Express 37), Timeshaver (J/125), and West Coast Warrior (J/125).

Restaurateur John Sangmeister of Gladstone’s Long Beach files this report on Monday from aboard the Santa Cruz 70 OEX:

“With much of our fate decided in the first night, there have been few opportunities to gain back those lost miles. We’re now sailing in more breeze than forecasted – true wind speed of 13.6 knots out of 300 degrees – which is good for our other race… getting out of Cabo before the town shuts down for Easter. Spirits remain good onboard with the CEO driving in the afternoon fun. Tonight’s meal will include Chef Pete’s Lobster Mac’n’Cheese and a boxed Merlot of dubious vintage. Our predicted finish is early Thursday morning.”

The standings (as of 0600 on Mar 25) find ORR-1 holding the top three overall positions: Meanie (RP 52), Natalie J (TP 52), and Wizard (RP 74). As of press time, Wizard was the lead elapsed boat with just over 400 nm to the finish, having passed Cedros Island and on approach toward the fishing villages in Turtle Bay.