(Newport Beach, CA)- Members of the Newport Ocean Sailing Association
are thrilled to announce the Kick-Off Party on Sunday, April 23, will be
held at Marina Park, the City’s extraordinary waterfront sailing and
community center. The public celebration will take place from 12:00 noon
to 4:00 p.m.The 10.5 acre park that opened December 2015 is operated by the City’s Recreation & Senior Services Department. The party will celebrate the 70th running of the iconic Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race - that is now less than seven weeks away - and its relationship to its host city, its residents and sailing partnerships.
“I’m pleased that the Newport Ocean Sailing Association chose to have the kickoff event at the City’s Marina Park. It was recently built as a “window to the bay” for our residents and visitors to enjoy so it’s the perfect location to bring people together to celebrate this year’s race,” said Newport Beach Mayor Kevin Muldoon.
At the new docks, guests can tour two participating race boats or watch juniors compete in a demonstration regatta. The University of California, Irvine’s Campus Recreation Department that runs year-round sailing programs at the facility for residents and students will offer basic sailing instruction, including a sail and will rent out paddle boards and sailboats throughout the day. Children’s activities will include rides on a Coast Guard boat.
If you’re nostalgic, there will be a 6-vehicle display of Woodies, the old-time beach cruising cars from the 50s and 60s. If you like to go fast in the latest street machines, Sterling BMW will have several of its new cars on display. Sponsors tents will be set up for browsing, representatives from the Mexican and Ensenada Tourist Boards will be in attendance.
Upstairs in the open community center, guests can visit with competitors; racers can pick up their official race packets and everyone can enjoy the Stella Artois beer garden and entertainment while ogling a selection of beautiful N2E trophies that will be vied for in the race that starts Friday, April 28, off the Balboa Pier.
“The Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race has been a Newport Beach tradition for seven decades and is woven into our city’s nautical heritage,” Muldoon said. “Each year, it draws sailors and spectators to the coastline to watch as hundreds of boats line up for the start of the race. It’s a spectacular sight.”
So far, with over 150 keelboats racing in the event, including a dozen J/Teams, they will be looking forward to the pre-race festivities! More news next week once the fleet is finalized for the start on April 28th! For more Newport to Ensenada Race sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.
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