Broker Jim Bailey Excels in Newport to Ensenada Race

Newport Beach yacht broker Jim Bailey knows sailing. Growing up, he began mastering the craft aboard his parents’ Kettenberg 40 in the late ’60s and has continued to be an avid member of the Southern California sailing community ever since. Heck, he’s even busy building his own boat with son and fellow sailing enthusiast, William Bailey, who got his start locally as well at the Lido Isle Yacht Club.

In fact, it was this sort of pedigree that ranked the elder Bailey among top finishers for the 71st Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race that took place in late April, when resident sailors were out in full force to make their presence known along the 125-mile course.

Since 1947, Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA), its members, board of directors and volunteers have been hosting the iconic event, a.k.a. N2E. Actually, two more races — the Border Run race to San Diego and a sprint to Dana Point for young sailors in smaller boats — also set off last week near the Balboa Pier, starting with the classic N2E trek.

Jim Bailey undoubtedly faced some serious competition during the event, from John Raymont of the Balboa Yacht Club to Len Bose aboard Bahia Corinthian’s HORIZON. But he still managed to eek out a top spot by race end, with Los Angeles Times sports reporter Andrew Turner putting it like this: 

“From the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, Jim Bailey impressed in commanding Destroyer to a second-place finish in the Maxi division,” finishing with a time of 16:46:36. Well done, Jim!