Here is the web link to the best race on the water
http://www.nosa.org/05_races-press-113004.html
The World?s Largest International Yacht Race Sets Sail on Friday, April 22, 2005.
NEWPORT BEACH, CA (November 30, 2004) ? The Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA) announced today that Lexus will be the Title Sponsor of NOSA's Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race. The annual yacht race will begin on Friday, April 22, 2005 at 12:00 noon (PDT) off Newport Beach, California and conclude with an awards ceremony on Sunday, April 24 in Ensenada, Mexico.
"Lexus owners tend to be people who feel passionately about life and live life to the fullest," said Jeff Bracken, General Manager of the Lexus Western Area. "We are thrilled to partner with the world's largest international sail boat race. Sailors and sailing enthusiasts embody the spirit and lifestyle that personifies the Lexus theme ? The Passionate Pursuit of Perfection."
New for 2005 will be the realignment of classes to accommodate the increased number of anticipated Maxi yachts and sport boats. Details about the new classes will be announced early in 2005. More than 480 boats have participated in each of the last two races. Being the world?s largest international regatta, the start has been broken into 24 classes including
PHRF, ULDB, ORCA, Ancient Mariner and Cruising Classes.
In previous years, some of the biggest names in sailing have participated in the race including former America?s Cup winners, Dennis Conner and Bill Ficker, as well as Roy Disney, who is expected to enter his Z-86 Pyewacket in the upcoming race. This leads the list of several new Maxi yachts expected to participate prior to going on the bi-annual Transpac Race.
BEST LOCATION TO VIEW
The sight of nearly 500 sailboats heading south just off the coast is nothing short of spectacular! The best locations to catch the colorful and awesome views are the bluffs above Corona del Mar State Beach, from the Balboa Pier or directly from the water on a
boat. Although non-racers are invited to view from the water, NOSA kindly requests that they stay clear from the two starting lines.
2004 RACE HIGHLIGHTS
* For the third year in a row, Afterburner skippered by Bill Gibbs, won the first-to-finish honors on his 52-foot catamaran in 9 hours, 56 minutes and 56 seconds. Afterburner also won trophies for overall winner on best corrected time and first place on corrected time in ORCA class.
* Dick Compton?s Alchemy sailed smoothly to the finish line in 13 hours and 19 minutes making it the first Monohull to finish. Alchemy also won honors for first overall in the ULDB-A class.
* Campbell?s Sloop, an all-female team, won their category and was awarded the Caroline Starr Trophy for Best All Women?s Crew on corrected time.
* Dr. Vic Stern finished his 41st Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race and celebrated his 81st birthday on Sunday, the day of the trophy ceremony.
The 2005 race features additional sponsors City of Newport Beach, Balboa Bay Club and Resort, Balboa Yacht Club, Mt. Gay Rum, Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club and Newport Harbor Yacht Club.