ENSENADA, Baja California, Mexico — In yacht racing, close finishes are part of the thrill, but this year’s Newport to Ensenada (N2E) race delivered a finish for the history books, as the inaugural NOSA perpetual trophy sponsored by Club Nautico Baja (CNB) was decided by a mere 40 seconds after two days of racing.
The new trophy, awarded exclusively to Mexican cruising class boats, drew fierce competition between vessels such as Amelia, a Hunter Passage 42 helmed by CNB founder Dr. Joel Velasco and co-owner Francisco de Anda, and Stellar, a Jeanneau 43 captained by Manuel Gutiérrez with Alfonso Junco aboard. After hours of sailing and a challenging offshore course, Stellar narrowly edged out Amelia to claim the title — prompting immediate speculation around Ensenada about a hotly anticipated rematch in 2026.
“A race that close could have gone either way,” said Captain Gutiérrez. “I commend my crew for doing a fine job, and team Amelia for their sportsmanship and goodwill. We’re all friends here in the Ensenada sailing community, and we welcome the close competition this new perpetual trophy brings for Mexican participants.”
The race also showcased rising talent within the CNB ranks. Captain Frondo van Os and his 17-year-old son Leon sailed their Choate 27, Sinister Smile, to remarkable success — earning not only the best corrected time for a Mexican boat but also finishing fourth in the highly competitive PHRF-C class, against more than 17 larger, faster vessels. Their achievement was even more impressive given that they lost all electrical systems shortly after the start and raced without them for the duration. Leon was the youngest captain in the 129-vessel fleet, adding another historic moment to this year’s event.
Meanwhile, CNB Commodore Xavier Fernandez continued his winning tradition, leading his J35 Salty to the best elapsed time for a Mexican vessel. Salty was the first of four Ensenada-based boats to cross the finish line.
“This year, we made an extra effort to coordinate with the event organizer NOSA, and it really showed,” said Fernandez. “Ensenada sailors were more involved than ever — from preparing the trophies to registering the winners and even assisting as race judges. After working closely with Hotel Coral Marina and NOSA over the last few months, the visiting yacht check-in procedures were faster and smoother than in past years, according to participant feedback. That speaks well for future races.”
Club Nautico Baja, founded in Ensenada, remains Baja California’s oldest and largest yacht club. Its growing presence in the N2E race reflects a broader commitment to strengthening Mexico’s role in the iconic international regatta and fostering the next generation of sailors.
