Sailing: Mighty Merloe first to finish in Newport to Ensenada

H.L. Enloe’s Mighty Merloe slipped into Ensenada minutes before dawn Saturday morning at 5:55:35 a.m., to secure Best Elapsed Time honors at the 68th annual Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race.

Last year’s first to finish winner, Tom Sieble’s Orion, crossed the finish line to the light of day at 6:24:29.

By 8 a.m., the masts of the sleds and maxi’s could be seen peaking above the horizon and slowly washed in with a bank of clouds that seemed to have hovered offshore all night. Details are pending, but a group of five favorites including Pyewacket and Bad Pak clustered together in the final minutes to finish only seconds apart.

Early morning showers put a damper on the wind, Friday and the start may have looked like a raft up from afar. Close up, there were still lots of jockeying for position as the various classes drifted into the start line.

By 1 p.m. the 205 boat fleet, less a few flying colorful spinnakers headed into the dark grey horizon in search of wind.

Nineteen boats called in throughout the night with to report DNF status - did not finish - including last years’ big winner Mama Tried.

More results and details pending. Winds picked up at 10 a.m. will give a welcome push to the remaining competitors.

Recently, Mighty Merloe completed an impressive performance to win the Newport to Cabo race. That win gave Mighty Merloe a favorite status entering the Newport to Ensenada.

— From staff reports