Newport to Ensenada yacht race gets ready to set sail for 72nd year

Nearly 200 racers are preparing to head south for the annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, an event celebrating its 72nd year.

Spectators can head to the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach to watch the boaters depart starting at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 26, with prime viewing from the end of the pier.

Some years have gusty winds that help propel the boaters at high speeds to the finish line, while other years boaters float slowly with little help from the weather.

Participation has dwindled since the launch of the race, which decades ago had more than 600 yachts making the trek — or attempting to — along the Pacific Ocean and across the border.

“Sailing is changing. Almost every race across the country, people report the attendance is down,” said Newport Ocean Sailing Association spokeswoman Laurie Morrison.

To generate more interest, several modified races have been added to the program, including a jaunt from Newport to San Diego for boaters who don’t want to cross the border, as well as a short sprint to Dana Point.

“We want that to be for the younger people,” Morrison said of the sprint. “You can bring your smaller boat, you can bring a Hobie. Just get on the water, start developing a love for the ocean and start developing your skills, and then you can work up to bigger boats.”

One sailor whose passion for the sport hasn’t wavered is Dick McNish, of Oxnard. McNish, the oldest racer, at 92, has entered the race at least 20 times.

If you can’t make it to the start of the race, you can view a live feed from the launch on the Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race Facebook page.