Editorial

As big events go, there’s none bigger in local boating circles than

the looming kickoff of the 54th annual Newport to Ensenada International

Yacht Race.

And we can’t help but see a special symbolism in Friday’s send-off.

That is, at least among the many, many yachtsmen here, it seems tradition

is alive and well.

As many may know, it’s not so well in other quarters as the 56th

annual Lions Club Fish Fry in Costa Mesa has been shelved this year, and

some are proposing changes to the near 100-year tradition that is the

Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade that, if they are not careful, could

jeopardize its future.

But so far, no such problems exist regarding the yachting treasure

that is the Newport to Ensenada race, and we couldn’t be happier about

that.

The 125-nautical-mile jaunt through the Pacific that will begin in

Newport Harbor on Friday and end with boats trickling into the Baja

California fishing town of Ensenada as late as Sunday, is rife with

history and legendary stories.

There’s the dead silent winds that leave boaters stranded and

motionless for hours, the bawdy brawls in Ensenada bars and, of course,

the X-rated films shown on the boat sails that, story has it, entertained

many a sailor on the salty seas.

It’s a raucous time by a raucous bunch, and here’s hoping that the

event, which is the world’s largest international yacht race in the

nation’s biggest recreational harbor, never changes.

So to all of you boaters getting ready to set sail, we wish you good

winds and safe waters and, as you’re cruising down to Baja California

wondering about the meaning of it all, just think of this:

There’s a little bit of local history blowing on your back.