Big yacht race party to be held today

Perhaps the biggest party of the Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race

festivities will take place tonight when the Pre-Race Fiesta draws

thousands to the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club.

The celebration, which usually draws 3,000 to 4,000, is open to the

public and will begin at 5 p.m. It is expected to go until about 11 p.m.

Admission is free to race participants and the general public. The

club is at 1601 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, (949) 644-9530.

The yacht race will begin Friday at noon just outside the harbor

entrance. It will end in Ensenada, Mexico, on Sunday.