It’s time for Newport to Ensenada race
Ahoy.
I noticed a few certified public accountants on the water this
week. That means the tax deadline has passed and, more importantly,
that the Newport to Ensenada race is closing in on the radar.
At noon Friday, the first class of boats will cross the starting
line for Ensenada. For those of you shore-side, the view will be
spectacular from the bluffs above Corona del Mar main beach.
Now titled the Tommy Bahama Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race, it
holds the title as the largest international yacht race in the world.
I think this race should hold another title, as the yacht race for
all sailors. This race attracts a wide range of sailors and vessels,
from the professionals to the Sunday sailors.
I remember when my friend, Norm MacLeod, sailed the race in his
Flicka 20 with flashlights taped to his rigging as navigation lights.
On the other end of the spectrum are former America’s Cup winner
Dennis Conner with Stars and Stripes, and Transpac’s Barndoor holder
Roy Disney aboard Pyewacket.
In between is every variety of sailboats and sailing level who are
either sailing for the chance of a trophy or just for fun.
You might remember that last year’s race was fast, so fast that a
few records were broken. I remember last year in the wee hours of
Saturday morning being awoken as racers finished. They were coming in
Cruise Port Marina, where I was comfortably sleeping aboard a yacht.
Bill Gibbs aboard Afterburner returns to defend last year’s
first-to-finish honors, and you know the big boys are going to vie
after last year’s titles. Let’s see what this year’s weather will be
like for the 125-nautical-mile race.
Racers preparing for the race can use the Marine Concierge
Service. For the second year, Mark Silvey with the Newport Beach
Chamber of Commerce will provide referrals for any of your needs,
including bottom cleaning, topside wash down, mast and rigging
assistance, diesel engine repair, parts with delivery and catering.
All next week, including Friday, all you have to do is call (949)
642-6229.
The Newport Ocean Sailing Assn., which organizes this annual
event, has redesigned its Web site at www.nosa.org. On the Web site
is everything you need to know about the race: forms, coming back
into the United States through U.S. Customs and the race results will
be posted.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Now is the time to inspect your boat before summer and a great
time to complete those repairs deferred from last year. Many boat
repair shops and mechanics are not hard pressed this time of year,
unlike in the summer season when customers are demanding their
repairs finished for next weekend’s cruise. This means the mechanics
may have more time to spend on your boat than when customers are
breathing down their neck.
So, spring is when you want to prepare your boat for summer and
make those repairs you have been thinking about since last fall. I am
constantly asked where to begin when getting a boat ready for the
season, and I always say, start with the hull.
The hull should be cleaned above and below waterlines with the
topside being given a good coat of wax. Below the waterline, you may
need to apply fresh bottom paint, change the zincs and double check
all the through-hull fittings and the corresponding seacock valves.
Next, move interior to the mechanical, electrical, waste and water
systems. You may want to have a mechanic help you in this process.
Then, depending on your boat size and accommodations, check all the
creature comforts, such as the satellite TV, microwave, Jacuzzi and
the air conditioning units.
Always remember to check the required Coast Guard equipment before
you leave the dock. You can do a virtual check at www.safetyseal.net.
I want to thank Pete Rabbitt and David Beach with the Newport
Beach Business Club for inviting me as the guest speaker at their
breakfast meeting Thursday. I always enjoy sharing my on-water
experiences.
Also at the meeting, I noticed Chris Wynkoop looked a little pale.
You see, Chris is a CPA.
Safe voyages.
* MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating and harbor columnist. Send
him your harbor and marine-related thoughts and story suggestions by
e-mail to Mike@BoathouseTV.com.
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