Racers ready to sail

After 59 years, many things have changed about the Lexus Newport to Ensenada yacht race, but nothing quite like this year.

For the first time, the race chair is a woman.

Jane Benson ? the commodore of the Newport Ocean Sailing Assn. ? will preside over the annual race, which begins today on Newport Harbor. The competition begins at noon today, with boats departing in 10-minute intervals for up to two hours.

As of Wednesday, 457 entries had been received and categorized into 23 divisions based on speed capability and technology. For example, wood boats that are more than 50 years old and will race in the Ancient Mariner Division.

Benson, who took the helm of the NOSA last July, actually isn’t a yachter ? power boating is more her style. But she is well versed in race management, which helped her rise through the ranks.

Benson said more and more women are getting involved with boating clubs as participants and race management.

“The ladies were kind of tired of sitting around and drinking martinis while the guys went out. They wanted to start working with the boats,” Benson said.

One thing that has remained the same is the prevalence of Southern California entries in the Newport to Ensenada race. Even so, the number of participants from Northern California, Mexico and Canada has grown too.

So why has it drawn such a steady crowd for almost 60 years?

“It’s the romance of going off to Mexico for one thing,” said race spokesman Rich Roberts. “Sailors dream of these ocean races.”

Along for the 125-nautical mile ride will be familiar faces and masts. Perhaps the most well-known name locally is Pyewacket, an 86-foot vessel previously owned by Roy Disney, nephew of Walt Disney. Disney donated the yacht, which won the inaugural First Team Real Estate Invitational Regatta last year, to Orange Coast College’s 26-person sailing team.

The veterans include 79-year-old Lou Comyns, who is preparing for his 51st race; and 83-year-old Dr. Vic Stern, who will compete for the 44th time.

Roberts said the average racer finishes Saturday, but the trophies will be given out Sunday at the Bahia Hotel in Ensenada.

For those with time to kill, don’t worry. Roberts said the waterfront town has always kept sailors busy with its local restaurants and bars.