NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For 68 years, seasoned pros and first-timers have gathered in Newport Beach, California each April to take part in the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race (N2E), the largest of its kind in the world. 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. But it's not only famous sailors and celebrities who can get in on the fun in Newport Beach, California; thanks to events designed to involve the public in the celebration, including the Balboa Village Fest and Taste of Balboa, it has become a city and neighborhood event as well.
"The 125-nautical-mile Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race is steeped in history and is a wonderful Newport Beach tradition held along with one of our international sister cities, Ensenada, Mexico," said Gary Sherwin, President & CEO of Newport Beach and Company, the destination marketing organization for Newport Beach. "By hosting the Balboa Village Fest and Taste of Balboa, our coastal paradise welcomes not just fans of sailing, but visitors and residents to experience the excitement of this famous race."
In fact, the official N2E festivities span nearly a week of celebrations in Newport Beach, beginning on Sunday, April 19 from 11am to 4pm with the Fifth Annual Balboa Village Fest. Held in Balboa Village (Home of the Fun Zone) on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, the Balboa Village Fest treats visitors of all ages to a festive day of food, fun and music.
At the center of this event is the Second Annual Taste of Balboa, which offers signature dishes for purchase from popular Newport Beach restaurants. At the Taste of Balboa, guests will savor an assortment of different dishes and tastes including pasta, seafood, burgers, noodles, pizza and more.
Beyond delicious food, the Balboa Village Fest offers something for the whole family. Kids will enjoy engaging hands-on activities from ExplorOcean that celebrate and highlight the ocean from multiple perspectives, as well as chalk drawings, professional chalk art demonstrations, nautical displays, knot tying by the Newport Beach Sea Scouts and much more. In addition, famed U2 cover band, Hollywood U2, will perform and visitors can also tour a selection of Newport to Ensenada race boats. At 1pm, attendees will watch a formal ceremony as officials from Newport Beach and Ensenada commemorate the 68th annual running of this international yacht race, and also unveil a painting commissioned for the occasion. Admission to the Balboa Village Fest and ExplorOcean is free. For more information, please visit www.balboavillage.com. The Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race is sponsored by The LA Times, Hotel California Tequila, Hornblower Yachts, Sterling BMW and the Balboa Bay Resort.
In addition to the Balboa Village Fest and Taste of Balboa, other pre-race events around the 68th Annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race include:
- Skipper's Luncheon (for race participants), Wednesday, April 22, 11:30 am-1:30 pm at Newport Harbor Yacht Club
- The famous "N2E Race Fiesta" (open to the public), Thursday evening, April 23, at American Legion Yacht Club. The event will include food stations, raffle prizes, and delicious cocktails.
- Viewing of the Newport to Ensenada Race starts at 11 am on Friday, April 24, off the Balboa Pier
- The race Trophy Presentation will be held on April 26, 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.
For more details and an entire schedule of events please visit, www.newporttoensenada.com.
About Newport Beach, California
Nestled among golden stretches of pristine Pacific coastline between Los Angeles and San Diego, Newport Beach epitomizes the casually sophisticated lifestyle of Southern California. This idyllic seaside destination is widely celebrated for its natural beauty and vibrant yachting community alongside stylish accommodations, eclectic coastal cuisine and upscale shopping. Ranked among the "Top 10 Resort Towns in the U.S.," Newport Beach also is distinguished as one of the country's "Top 10 Best Family Beaches." A mild climate and picturesque backdrop minutes from the newly expanded Orange County/John Wayne Airport (SNA) offers year-round appeal. For more information on Newport Beach or for a complimentary visitor guide, please visit our website www.visitnewportbeach.com, or call (800) 94-COAST.