Official Sponsor of the Lexus Newport-Ensenada Race April 27-29

Over 3500 crewmembers on 450 sailboats depart Southern California today bound for Baja in what’s known as the world’s largest international yacht race – the Lexus Newport-Ensenada race. While it is expected to conclude on Sunday, April 29, not all vessels will make it back without a little help.

“Last year more than 40 requests for fuel drops and on-the-water assistance were made,” said Jerry Cardarelli vice president of BoatUS Towing Services, parent of Vessel Assist. Ironically, running out of fuel on the return trip to the US is the most common reason participants call for on-the-water assistance.

Cardarelli says he expects to see about the same amount of requests this Sunday as the boats head back. ”That’s because fuel is sometimes hard to find in Mexico and participants may have to depart Ensenada without topping off the tank,” he added. The fleet usually runs under power while returning “up hill, ” but if northerlies are on their nose or the doldrums hit, the ir progress is slowed and they can accidentally drain the tank.

But before the racers even g et to the starting line today, Vessel Assist taxied hundreds of crew over the last two days as the fleet assembled in Newport Harbor. The free water-taxi service ensured everyone could attend shoreside race events and get safely back to their boats to rest and prepare.

Vessel Assist San Diego is the lead escort to the fleet, with Vessel Assist ports in San Pedro, Dana Point and Newport Beach providing additional support. Vessel Assist, the largest on-the-water assistance provider on the Pacific Coast, is an official sponsor of the race.

The Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA) has operate d the race since 1948. For more information about the race, go to http:// www.NOSA.org.