10 Reasons The Border Run Race Makes Sense
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What makes So Cal’s XS Racing Border Run such a hit?
Yesterday, I talked about The Border Run, a new race in Southern California that runs a course between Newport Beach and the border of Mexico. With nearly 185 entries, the second annual Border Run has come from nowhere to challenge So Cal’s most popular and renown race, NOSA’s Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race, that is expecting around 220 boats and is in its 63rd year.
The Border Run’s popularity can be explained in a number of ways.
First, it’s billed as a race truly open to everyone and encourages people who haven’t raced in decades or have never raced at all to join a fun event. The first time, entrants can get their feet wet so to speak, without even having to join a yacht club to be eligible to participate. Racers can single hand, double hand or race fully crewed and if they want to focus more on not spilling their drink along the way, well that’s ok too.
Second, the structure of this race is much more friendly than its parent race, the Newport to Ensenada. Roughly two thirds of the distance, the race actually finishes in San Diego. That means boats and crews can get back more easily and quickly via ground transportation. For those who can only take a weekend or have trouble rounding up crew, a 2 day race is much more doable than a 3 day event.
Third, for anyone with fears about entering Mexico lately, they can enjoy a margarita north of the border and never actually touch dry land in another country and that goes for racers and their party going non-racing friends and family.
Fourth, the party vibe is just as strong with the Border Run as any other race. This year the start was moved to Saturday, April 24. With a send off on a Friday night (not a school night) and a big party with their own Beach Boys-esque band at the Kona Kai in San Diego on Sunday April 26, there is no shortage of a party atmosphere and fun events.
Fifth, this is not a wannabe race and has attracted 8 maxi sleds, a slew of Farr 40s and a developmental multihull class with two Hobie Trifoilers set to break the 69-mile short course record of 6 hours 7 minutes and 36 seconds set by Randy Reynolds in his R33 catamaran, CAT ATTACK II.
Sixth, the Border Run considers itself to be a feeder race for San Diego Yacht Club’s Yachting Cup with at least a half dozen maxis staying to compete the following weekend in the SDYC event.
Seventh, you could hardly ask for a friendlier group of people. My call for more information was answered within the hour by Bob Long, one of the co-founders. His enthusiasm for creating a worthy event with a focus on inclusion is contagious. Events like this could genuinely dust off the sport of sailing and maybe even get more people interested in racing.
Eighth, a shorter race means lower costs. Not only is there a graduated entry fee based on the length of the boat ($69 - $159), but the overall costs of the logistics are lower. Getting race crew home or delivery crew down means only moving them from or to San Diego. There is less fuel consumed since the distance is shorter and slip fees are likely to be much less, especially if a boat has to spend the week in a guest slip before it can be brought back the following weekend. Money talks – always – but certainly in this economy.
Ninth, racers aren’t the only ones that are catching on. XS Racing has managed to secure quite a few sponsors for the race including a marine towing service, a marine newspaper, the resort where it will hold the trophy party, a So Cal yacht club and more. West Marine is happy too as it’s selling more gear to people who might not have otherwise participated in any race this year.
Tenth, The Border Run has found a cause by fundraising for a regional chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Racers who raise a certain level of funds are rewarded with everything from waived entry fees to a shot at spending a couple days with Gary Jobson in Charlotte at the end of the year. Once the charity participation gets going, Border Run organizers expect they can raise $150,000-$200,000 each year.
So, how is this race growing so fast? Well, it’s easier to enter, easier to race and return, is very friendly to all types of sailors and makes everyone feel good about their participation in a charity event. This is one smart race organization that could teach races around the country a thing or two about event execution.
