Field set for 75th California classic

With registration now closed, the 2023 Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race has attracted 140 entries for the 75th edition that starts April 28 off the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach, CA. Competitors will either be racing on the 88 nm course to San Diego or the 123 nm course to Ensenada, Mexico.

The start will see two highly decorated multihulls face off in the quest for top, perhaps near back-to-back honors.

Last year, NOSA Staff Commodore Bills Gibbs and crew, (returning for his 23rd race) sailed away with five top trophies for the best time of Wahoo, his Schionning 1400 catamaran. In 2021, it was Jerry Fiat’s Farrier 32 SRX Taniwha that was the big winner, also taking home five trophies for best overall honors. Taniwha regretfully sat out last year’s race as the forecast for squally waves was deemed too risky for the lightweight trimaran.

Other winners who set personal bests last year are also back. Last year’s winning-most newcomer, John Brynjolfsson, will defend Saga’s in UL Maxi class, and Standish Fleming’s J/125 Nereid will look to repeat his trophy-winning coastal run.

While more than 20 sailors will take to the start line next for the very first time, and another 30 are returning. NOSA gratefully welcomes back Alec Oberschmidt aboard Staghound for an amazing-53rd time. Newport Beach’s own IT’S OK, thanks to Andy Rose and crew, will celebrate their 52nd horn, while multiple-time PHRF winner Andy Horning will revel in Day Tripper IIs 26th time to Ensenada.

New for 2023 is a strong showing by the growing J/111 fleet with five boats sailing in a competitive field of 16 J boats.

Race details – Entry list – Facebook