The Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race
SETTING SAIL
A weekend of festivities started off with a send-off breakfast at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club before racers took to the waves a few hours later to kick off the 75th Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race . Beginning April 28 , nearly 140 boats crossed the start line to favorable winds as they headed south in this annual nautical competition hosted by the Newport Ocean Sailing Association . Traversing the waves , there were two races taking place : the main , overnight route stretching 125 miles to Ensenada , Mexico , and a shorter route with fewer competitors to San Diego . Other events throughout the weekend included pool parties , a fiesta for the finishers with live music , and an awards ceremony celebrating the winners . Topping the charts this year was Rich Festa and his 46-foot yacht Groundhog Day , which crossed the finish line in 17 hours and 36 minutes ; Festa was awarded the Governor of California , the President of USA and the Tommy Bahama trophies . ( 949-220-4461 ; nosa . org ) — Ashley Ryan
FROM TOP : LAURIE MORRISON ; COURTESY OF LPA
The Environmental Nature Center ’ s Nature Preschool received Petal Certification for its commitment to sustainability .
PETAL POWER
The Environmental Nature Center has achieved a rare level of recognition for its commitment to sustainability . Its ENC Nature Preschool , which opened in fall 2019 , is one of only 54 projects across the globe to receive the Petal Certification — the world ’ s most rigorous green building standard — from the Oregon-based International Living Future Institute ’ s Living Building Challenge . The ENC ’ s state-of-the-art preschool is the first in Orange County and only the third in Southern California to attain this certification . The structure had to meet high standards in seven categories , called “ petals ,” including energy , equity and beauty as well as achieve “ net zero energy ,” meaning a building uses no more energy than it produces using renewable , zeroemission methods like solar panels and wind turbines . To receive the certification , an audit by a third party was required to verify the ENC ’ s results . The preschool was previously awarded Platinum LEED ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ) certification from the U . S . Green Building Council in 2020 ; the ENC is also working toward TRUE Zero Waste certification . The preschool building was designed by the LPA firm , Griffin Structures served as the project manager and Consolidated Contracting was the building ’ s contractor . ( 949-645-8489 ; encenter . org ) — S . S .
NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE 19