It's Ketch as Ketch Can...
...For some, the Newport-to-Ensenada is a laid-back race
known for its crazy parties both in Newport and in
Mexico.
Others are in it to
win it. Baker said 50 to 75 boats are crewed by serious
sailors, with his major competitor being Stark Raving
Mad.
"It's a nice little sprint race," he said.
"Anyone who wants to race a boat in Southern California,
it's just kind of one you have to do."
Baker also enjoys the spectacle of the start.
"It's mass confusion. There are a lot of boats that
this is the only race they ever do," he said.
"You're not going to find any race that has that
number of participants, anywhere. That's what makes it
what it is."
Haupt has some advice for newcomers: Don't attempt what
he's trying to do. "Mother Nature can be very
unforgiving," he said. "It's 'Plan for the
worst, hope for the best.' "
Haupt, who has done the race several times and has
experienced sailors on his boat, including partner Steve
McLaren, will be taking his chances aboard Fantasma de
Navidad, (translated Ghost of Christmas), a 36-footer built
in 1974 that they bought online in February.
He will be wearing a medal depicting St. Christopher, the
patron saint of travelers. Also onboard will be an empty
Corona beer bottle autographed by singer Jimmy Buffett. The
talismans are intended to ward off evil spirits and bring
good luck.
Haupt, who refers to the boat as "the little schooner
that could," said part of the thrill is fixing up the
eBay gem for competition.
It's been sunk twice.
They had to rebuild the entire cockpit. They had to send
away to England to get a starter. The boom was stripped to
bare wood, and they gave the boat a new varnish job and a
fresh coat of paint.
"Our limited experience with the boat says it's a
strong and well-built boat," said Haupt of Imperial
Beach. "So far, I'm impressed by it. But that can
change in 30 seconds."
Haupt hopes to show that sailing isn't just for the
wealthy and that if would-be mariners want a boat fervently
enough, they can find one.
"I do hope people are not turned away thinking they
could never afford a yacht," Haupt said.
"I'm living proof that you can find a
boat."
John Haupt's survival guide:
Sombreros
T-shirts highlighting local businesses in Mexico supporting the crew
Granola and fruit, sandwiches for lunch
Beer: they try not to drink more than two to avoid getting tired. "It's not fair if people get tired and others have to pick up their slack. And we don't want anybody falling overboard."
Bubble gum and duct tape for repairs .
By Laylan Connelly and Niyaz Pirani
The Orange County Register, 24 April 2008
Editor's Note: Hmmmm... Purchase a "bargain" boat on eBay and then spend many, many hours and dollars rebuilding her. Seems like just building my dream boat from Glen-L plans and patterns would be much more efficient and less costly...
Speaking of which, the beautiful, lightweight & sleek Glen-L ENSENDADA 25 is designed for both comfort and performance. In its first Newport-Ensenada Yacht Race the original ENSENADA 25 placed 2nd in PHRF Class-G ahead of over 50 other boats, and also beat winning boats in Classes C, D, E, F, & H on corrected time.
Newport to Ensenada Race Update...
Dateline Newport Beach - Sailors again started the Newport-to-Ensenada race under moderate winds Friday, meaning this will likely not be a record-breaking race.About 380 sailors set sail Friday afternoon for the 125-mile trek to Mexico for the 61st annual Newport-to-Ensenada race, called the "world's largest international yacht race."
Southwest winds were clocking about 6 knots at noon, said race spokesman Rich Roberts. Many of the bigger boats will be crossing the finish line sometime during the night.
Richard Maure, a member of the Seal Beach Yacht Club speaking by cell phone about two hours after the race started, said conditions should be better than last year, and the entire fleet is heading about 10 to 15 miles offshore.
"It's a good, typical year," he said. "We're hoping it stays like this all night long."
John Haupt's eBay boat - which he bought in February for $780 - broke down on the way up to Newport late Thursday night. He planned to unofficially join other boats as they passed San Diego, if he could.
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Stars and Stripes on the Sea: A man photographs boats while cruising Friday afternoon. |