It’s off to Ensenada — the 73rd Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race begins

It’s the race to launch a thousand boats.

Or at least, almost 200 of them from Balboa Pier. The 73rd annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race kicked off Friday morning.

Organizers said nearly 170 boats will be participating in the race, though not all will be making the full journey to Ensenada in Baja California.

About 20 took the “sprint course” to Dana Point, and more than 45 of them are headed for the Coronado Islands on the extended San Diego course. Sailors will be able to disembark and enjoy Ensenada with the aid of eased pandemic restrictions and the Mexican Navy.

The trophy ceremony will be held Sunday at the Hotel Coral and Marina in Ensenada but may be held in shifts due to regional pandemic restrictions in Mexico, according to a statement released by the organizers on Monday.

The Newport Ocean Racing Assn. canceled the race last year for the first time in its history as a precautionary measure for volunteers and other practical uncertainties due to COVID-19.

The race first was held in 1948.

Interested readers can watch where the boats are online at nosa.org.

Crew members on the Amante, a 39-year-old Choate 48, sit on the rail as they head for the border during the start of the 73rd Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race off the Balboa Pier on Friday.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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