NEWPORT BEACH, CA (Sunday, April 27, 2025) – While no records were broken in this year’s 77th Annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, there was plenty of consistent wind to propel John Raymont’s Ker 52, Fast Exit II, to the overall corrected time PHRF victory as well as 1st in the maxi class. The only boat to finish ahead of her was Damon Gulzot’s R/P 77, Zephyrus, taking first to finish honors (11hrs. 51 mins.) and 2nd place in the maxi class.
A fleet of 126 competitors started off Balboa Pier in an 8 to 10 knot breeze Friday, which built to 12 -14 knots by the late afternoon. Breaking into 5 different classes according to boat’s performance and class of competition, 73 of the yachts were in the Performance Handicap Rating Formula (PHRF) or ULDB categories. A unique set of multi-hull boats (7 in ORCA Class) was won by Chris Slagerman’s Le Briton SIG 45, Vamonos. The Cruising Class Spinnaker Division with 22 entries was won by Walter Simmon’s Cabo Rico 40, Wind Rose. (See full results).
On the shorter 90-mile course to San Diego, Taylor Pillsbury’s, classic Cal 40, Ralphie, handily beat her 6 other challengers. The San Diego race elapsed winning time was 15hrs. 8mins.
“It was a waterline race”, according to many competitors, as the larger boats used the ideal racing winds to prevail in their classes. Phil Friedman’s 85’ Farr, Sapphire Knight, finished 3rd over the line giving them 1st place corrected honors in the hotly contested UL-A Division. Racers said, “After close racing up to midnight, the winds began to lighten to 4-6 knots heading to the finish line and using boat momentum became a crucial factor in the light wind finishing tactics.”
Some of the tightest racing came in the UL-C class where Herwig Baumgartner’s 1D 35, Black Martin, edged out Mark Rosene’s MC31, Radical Departure, by just three minutes in corrected time over the 125-mile course. Even Tina Robert’s recently renovated 63-year-old Spencer 65, “Ragtime”, rediscovered their competitive legs, completing the course in 16 hours. 11mins. and just edging out fellow first-time owner/entrant Jared Gargano’s DK46, Rossa by 22 seconds in corrected time.
The competition in the PHRF racing classes found Viggo Torbensen’s IMX 40, Timeshaver correcting out to win PHRF A, while the beautiful Swede 55, Ohana, sailed by Paul Hogue and Steve Wright won PHRF B. Steve Brown’s Petersen 34, Pussycat won PHRF C.
The Manufacturer’s Trophy for fastest Beneteau Yacht was won by Toby Gandy’ Beneteau 10R Javelin, beating out Fred Jungren’s larger Beneteau 44.7 Pacifico. There were a total of 13 Beneteaus in the race and the boats have always been competitive with one another. The trophy for all Women’s Division went to Heather Furey’s, N/M 68 Blonde Fury.
The Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race is not just about competition; it’s about celebrating the spirit of sailing, the thrill of the chase, and the camaraderie of sailors from around the world. This year, four boats from Mexico entered the race and competed for the newest NOSA trophy for the fastest Mexican entry. The trophy was won by Stellar, a Jeanneau 43 under Captain Manuel Guitierrez.
Those unable to watch the race on the shore, found an exciting way to follow the race in real-time. All participants were tracked via YBTracking, an advanced online tracking system that allows fans to view each boat’s location on the course, providing a truly immersive experience for those who want to follow the action from start to finish. The app not only showed where the boats were but their relative position in the fleet and in their respective classes.
The Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA) wishes to thank its sponsors, The City of Newport Beach, Westfax, Ullman Sails, The Coral Hotel & Marina as well as B&G Marine Electronics. The Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race continues to be an unforgettable experience, offering world class racing on some of most beautiful West Coast shorelines.
For more information contact Peter Bretschger, NOSA Chief Marketing Officer, 949-697-1280
