Lexus finishes race nexus

Dane Grace

There will be a new driving force behind the Newport-to-Ensenada

yacht race this year.

Lexus will take the role as title sponsor for the 58th annual race

after Tommy Bahama, a clothing and retail company, did not renew its

contract.

Lexus chose to sponsor the race because sailors and sailing

enthusiasts embody the company’s theme, the passionate pursuit of

perfection, area sales manager Ed Pace said in a press release.

The Newport-to-Ensenada race, a 126-nautical-mile, overnight

journey from Newport Harbor to Ensenada, Mexico, draws entrants from

across the United States.

“It is believed to be the world’s largest international yacht

race,” said Peter Bretschger, a four-time racer and co-president of

Integrated Marketing Networks, the company publicizing the race.

The race boasts big talent, like America’s Cup Skipper Dennis

Connors, and last year had hundreds of boats and more than 3,500 crew

members entered, Bretschger said.

The Newport Ocean Sailing Assn. gathers more than 200 volunteers,

and the Balboa, Bahia Corinthian and Newport Harbor yacht clubs pitch

in to help make the event a reality.

The event is a labor of love to Bretschger.

“I think the world of the race,” Bretschger said. “It’s turning

into a family tradition for us. I go on it. My wife is on the boat

with me. One son, at least, is on the boat with me. My other son

meets me at Ensenada, and I had my brother fly out for the race.”

It’s also a tradition for workers at Fashion Island, who gather on

the business rooftops at lunch to watch the start of the race, and

spectators flock to the coast to get a glance at the boats, he said.

The race also does well for businesses.

“You have all the boats transiting here from San Diego and L.A.,”

Bretschger said. “It’s good business for the marine riggers around

the harbor.”