Newport to Ensenada Race merges with Border Run Race

The Newport Ocean Sailing Association, which was founded in 1947 to organize the inaugural Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, has acquired the competing Border Run Race which will now be combined with the 71st edition of the international classic.

With the acquisition, the 2018 contest will offer three courses for the start on April 27. All courses will continue to start off of Balboa Pier in Newport Beach, CA, with the finish lines positioned down the coast in Dana Point (14nm) and San Diego (70nm) in California and Ensenada, Mexico (125nm).

The Dana Point course will seek to attract smaller boats such as beach cats, CFJs, 420s, Moths, 29ers, and Lasers.

NOSA officials hope the acquisition and addition will bring back racers who have not participated in recent years, provide an opportunity to expose the next generation of sailors to the fun and challenge of a large race, and potentially help grow the future of the sailboat racing.

“The coming together of participants, all starting on the same day, provides an exceptional opportunity for racers to be a part of something big, not only being a part of the race’s history, but to experience the unparalleled excitement of starting a race with 500 other boats,” said Daniel Hodge, NOSA’s commodore.

NOSA’s board approved the motion at its November meeting.

“It’s really for the good of the sport; it’s all about how to get boats out on the water, to make it the biggest event on the West Coast – like it used to be,” said Border Run founder Randy Reynolds. “Boating has changed a lot in the last 10 years, people are busier than ever. Some people will always want to go to Ensenada while others prefer the simplicity to stay in U.S. waters.”

Hodge echoed the sentiment, “This is an excellent option for racers who want to sail N2E but are less confident when it comes to the logistics of sailing to Ensenada then returning home.”

Both men report that initial feedback has been great. “Randy and I are passionate sailors first,” said Hodge. “We were able to complete the acquisition because as sailors, we have a shared aspiration of creating energy that motivates others to get out on the water.”

When the option came from NOSA to bring the two powerhouses together, it made sense, Reynolds said, “With the two races joining forces we have a better chance of bringing back the glory days of 400+ boats racing down the coast to the border.”

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Source: NOSA