Community Corner

Newport to Ensenada Not Just for Sailors

From 3D chalk art to tours of sailboats, the festivities leading up to next week's Lexus Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race likely has something for everyone.

More than 220 sailboats will hit the water to compete in the annual Lexus Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race next week, but before they set sail the community will have a chance to take part in some festivities.

To kick-off the annual race, a launch party will be held Sunday at the Village of Balboa and the Balboa Fun Zone. From noon to 5 p.m., the community is encouraged to enjoy a full day of live music, the a La Strada dell' Arte 3D chalk festival at Bay Avenue and Washington Street, art exhibits including student artwork from Newport Elementary, nautical displays, wooden boat building for children and food samplings.

"This is the third time we have done this at the village," Leslie Perovich, of ExplorOcean, said. "It has grown every year. Our biggest issue is usually the weather so if it's nice we hope a lot of people will come out and have some fun."

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Perovich said to entice more visitors to the race launch party, more attractions were added this year including car displays, nautical displays and tours of some of the sailboats that will be participating in the race. ExplorOcean will also be offering free admission on Sunday.

Newport Ocean Sailing Association Vice Commodore Dave Shockley called the race launch party "a family-oriented event."

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The Lexus Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race will start on Friday, April 26 at 11 a.m. The 125-mile course begins off the Balboa Pier, and is touted as the largest international yacht race in the world which dates back to 1948.

A pre-race fiesta will also be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 at the Balboa Pavilion's Harborside Restaurant. Don't miss out on gourmet tacos, Stella Artois beer and the famous Mount Gay Rum!

The race launch party will be held at ExplorOcean, 600 E. Bay Avenue.


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