77th Newport to Ensenada Race

While no records were broken in the 2025 Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, consistent wind propelled John Raymont’s Kerr 51, Fast Exit II, to the overall corrected time PHRF victory as well as 1st in the maxi class. The only boat to finish ahead of her was Damon Gulzot’s R/P 77, Zephyrus, taking first to finish honors (11hrs. 51 mins.) and 2nd place in the maxi class.

A fleet of 126 competitors started off Balboa Pier in an 8 to 10 knot breeze on April 25, which built to 12 -14 knots by the late afternoon. Breaking into five different classes according to boat’s performance and class of competition, 73 of the yachts were in the Performance Handicap Rating Formula (PHRF) or ULDB categories. A unique set of multi-hull boats (7 in ORCA Class) was won by Chris Slagerman’s Le Briton SIG 45, Vamonos. The Cruising Class Spinnaker Division with 22 entries was won by Walter Simmon’s Cabo Rico 40, Wind Rose.

On the shorter 90-mile course to San Diego, Taylor Pillsbury’s, classic Cal 40, Ralphie, handily beat her six other challengers. The San Diego race elapsed winning time was 15hrs. 8mins.

It proved to be a waterline race as the larger boats had ideal racing winds to prevail in their classes. Phil Friedman’s 85’ Farr, Sapphire Knight, finished 4th over the line giving them 1st place corrected honors in the hotly contested UL-A Division. After close racing up to midnight, the winds began to lighten to 4-6 knots heading to the finish line and using boat momentum became a crucial factor in the light wind finishing tactics.

Some of the tightest racing came in the UL-C class where Herwig Baumgartner’s 1D35, Black Martin, edged out Mark Rosene’s MC31, Radical Departure, by just three minutes in corrected time over the 125-mile course. Even Tina Robert’s recently renovated 63-year-old Spencer 65, Ragtime, rediscovered their competitive legs completing the course in 16hrs. 11mins. and just edging out fellow first-time owner/entrant Jared Gargano’s DK46, Rossa by 22 seconds in corrected time.

The competition in the PHRF racing classes found Viggo Torbensen’s IMX 40, Timeshaver correcting out to win PHRF A, while the Swede 55, Ohana, sailed by Paul Hogue and Steve Wright won PHRF B. Steve Brown’s Petersen 34, Pussycat won PHRF C.

The Manufacturer’s Trophy for fastest Beneteau Yacht was won by Toby Gandy’ Beneteau 10R Javelin, beating out Fred Jungren’s larger Beneteau 44.7 Pacifico. There were a total of 13 Beneteaus in the race and the boats have always been competitive with one another. The trophy for all Women’s Division went to Heather Furey’s, N/M 68 Blonde Fury.

Four boats from Mexico entered the 2025 race and competed for the newest NOSA trophy for the fastest Mexican entry which was won by Edward and Leon Van Os’ CF-27, Sinister Smile, which was also the smallest boat on the coarse.

Event information – Race details – Results

The 77th Annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race started April 25 in Newport Beach, CA. Competitors in 2025 could either pursue the 88nm race course to San Diego or 124nm to Ensenada, Mexico.

Source: NOSA