The 2014 Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race Officially Kicks-off on Sunday, April 13, With A Day Of Family-friendly Activities in Balboa Village, home of the Fun Zone

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (March 1, 2014) – For 67 years, seasoned pros and first-timers have gathered in Newport Beach, California to take part in the largest international yacht race in the world, the Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race (N2E). First run in 1948, the event has attracted celebrities such as Humphrey Bogart and Walter Cronkite, as well as America’s Cup winners Dennis Conner, Roy Disney and Steve Fossett.

This year’s festivities will kick-off with the fourth annual citywide festival on Sunday, April 13 from 11am to 4pm at the Balboa Village, home of the Fun Zone.  Locals and sailing enthusiasts can enjoy a day of live music, nautical displays, art exhibits, a La Strada dell’ Arte chalk festival, Taste of Balboa food samplings from local restaurants, children’s boat building and other activities the entire family can enjoy. Guests can also tour a selection of official Newport to Ensenada race boats docked by the ferry and learn more about some of the crews’ preparations for this world-famous event. Admission to ExplorOcean and the kick-off festival is free. The yacht race will start on Friday, April 25 at 11am off the Balboa Pier.

“The 125-nautical-mile Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race is steeped in history and is a wonderful tradition with one of our International sister cities, Ensenada, Mexico,” remarked Gary Sherwin, President & CEO of Visit Newport Beach Inc. “The addition of the kick-off festival in Newport Beach invites not just fans of sailing but the whole community to experience this fun, exciting event.”

Other pre-race events include:

• Yachtsmen’s Luncheon, Wednesday, April 23, 11:30am-1:30pm at Newport Harbor Yacht Club.
• The famous “Fiesta in the Fun Zone” Thursday night, April 24, at Harborside Restaurant. The event will include food stations, live music and delicious cocktails.
• Viewing of the race starts at 11 am on Friday, April 25, off the Balboa Pier.
• Trophy Presentation on April 27, 2pm at Hotel Coral in Ensenada.

More than 40 trophies will be awarded, including the coveted President of USA trophy for best time; as well as the Golden Spittoon for slowest sail. Everyone is invited to join the celebration at Hotel Coral & Marina, the official host hotel located in Ensenada, Mexico.

This year’s sponsors include Sterling BMW Newport Beach, Stella Artois, Newport Sea Base, Ullman Sails, ExplorOcean, Visit Newport Beach, Vessel Assist, West Marine, Orange County Register, City of Newport Beach, Mount Gay, Marriott Newport Beach, Hotel Coral and Marina, Do Baja, Coast and the Newport Beach Film Festival. For more details and an entire schedule of events please visit www.newporttoensenada.com.

About Visit Newport Beach Inc.

Visit Newport Beach Inc. is a not-for-profit, 501(c)6 destination marketing organization that positions Newport Beach as a premier visitor and conference destination. For more information, go to VisitNewportBeach.com.