Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race Kicks Off Sunday

More than 200 boats are ready to take part in next week's Lexus Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race, and the festivities commence Sunday at the Balboa Fun Zone.

Seasoned pros and first-timers have gathered in Newport Beach to take part in the biggest international yacht race in the world, which got its start in 1948 and will start on Thursday, April 27. The event kick-off will be held Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m., with a complimentary festival at the Village of Balboa/Balboa Fun Zone.

The “Margaritaville” festival will feature Mark Wood and the Parrot Head Band an exhibit of race boats, kids’ boat-building, plein air painters, exhibits by ExplorOcean/Newport Harbor Nautical Museum and more. Participating vendors at the Village of Balboa will offer special festival pricing including $2 Balboa Ferris Wheel rides, complimentary admission to all ExplorOcean/Newport Harbor Nautical Museum exhibits, and discounted harbor cruises and boat rentals from the Fun Zone Boat Co. and Balboa Boat Rentals.

Other Pre-race events include:

• Yachtsmen's Luncheon on Wednesday, April 25 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Newport Harbor Yacht Club. Everyone is welcome and Andy Rose, a co-owner of It’s OK, will be the featured speaker and share favorite Ensenada Race stories.
• The Pre-Race Fiesta will be Thursday, April 26, beginning at 5 p.m. at Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club.
• Viewing of the race starts at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 27, from the Balboa Pier.
• To mark the occasion, Lexus is offering a two-year lease on a 2013 Lexus GS 350 sedan to the boat owner with the fastest corrected handicap time in any racing class (crusing class boats are not eligible).

The race also features a new finish headquarters at the Hotel Coral and Marina in Ensenada, with the finish line visible from shore.