Vessel Assist Official Sponsor of the Lexus Newport-Ensenada Race April 28-30

“The world’s largest international yacht race” – the Lexus Newport-Ensenada race – will draw 500 boats and over 3500 crew members when it departs Newport Beach, CA April 28. But not all vessels will make it back without a little help.

Ironically, running out of fuel on the return trip to the U.S. is the most common reason participants call for on-the-water assistance. “We expect to see some boats requiring a fuel drop off at sea or needing other assistance from Vessel Assist,” said Jerry Cardarelli vice president of BoatU.S. Towing Services, parent of Vessel Assist.

Vessel Assist, the largest on-the-water assistance provider on the West Coast, is an official sponsor of the race, which is expected to conclude in Ensenada, Mexico by Sunday, April 30. Vessel Assist San Diego is the lead escort to the fleet, with Vessel Assist ports in Dana Point and Newport Beach providing additional support.

So why do so many sailboats potentially need un-planned fuel drop-offs?

Captain Robert Butler of Vessel Assist San Diego, said, “Once the race is over – on the return trip – sometimes fuel is hard to find and participants may have to depart Mexico without topping off the tank. Vessels usually run under power for the most direct route home, but with northerlies on your nose, they can accidentally drain the tank. More commonly, they hit doldrums on the lee side of the South Coronado Islands and then need to call us for a fuel drop-off or a tow back to San Diego,” he added.

The Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA) has operated the race since 1948. “Racers will breathe easy knowing that Vessel Assist will be escorting the fleet both down and back,” said NOSA Commodore Jane Benson.

Prior to the start of the race, all vessels are inspected by NOSA volunteers to ensure they meet their respective fleet’s racing requirements (PHRF and ORCA). For more information about the race or how to enter, go to http://www.NOSA.org.

BoatU.S. – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 640,000 members with a wide array of consumer services including a group-rate marine insurance program that insures nearly a quarter million boats; the largest nationwide fleet of more than 500 towing assistance vessels; discounts on fuel, slips, and repairs at over 825 Cooperating Marinas; boat financing; and a subscription to BoatU.S. Magazine, the most widely read boating publication in the U.S. For membership information visit http://www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.