Eclectic mix prepare for So Cal classic

The 2022 Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race has attracted 165 entrants for the 74th edition, with the start on April 22 from Newport Beach, CA.

Racers will sail on one of three courses – the sprint to Dana Point, the extended San Diego run around the Coronado Islands, and the classic 125nm course to Ensenada, Mexico.

An eclectic mix of serious sailors campaigning multi-million-dollar yachts racing alongside recreational cruisers – from 16 to 100 feet – will cross the start line off the Balboa Pier.

In 2019, Jerry Fiat entered an AC45, a former Oracle (America’s Cup) training boat. Last year, he and renowned sailor and yacht designer Pete Melvin sailed a Farrier 32SRX folding trimaran and claimed three trophies. This year, the duo is taking a foiling catamaran, a GC32, on the San Diego course.

A few first-timers are big enough and fast enough to break the monohull elapsed time record. Top of the list is Manouch Moshayedi’s Rio100, which broke the 2016 record in the Puerta Vallarta Race, despite finishing second to finish this year.

Others include Ray Paul’s Artemis, a Botin 65, George Hershman and Mark Comings’ Good Energy, which is the R/P 63 monohull record holder Aszhou with a fresh paint job and revitalized outlook. The elapsed time record for a monohull is 9:35:34.

Not setting a record, but making a big impact is 4U, a 16-foot RS Venture with specially designed seating to accommodate sailors with disabilities. Entered by California Inclusive Sailing for a second year in hopes of raising awareness of Parkinson’s Disease.

Steve Sellinger’s Triumph, a SC52 won best overall PHRF honors last year despite starting on the wrong line and having to make a 360-degree penalty maneuver. Skipper and crew chose to view the botched start as a diversion strategy as the navigator successfully got them back on course.

The Storm Trysail Club has again offered a trophy for the best team effort. Three-boat teams from two classes with the fastest combined time will win.

Event details – Entry list – Facebook