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.