Start:Newport, RI, USA
Finish:Bermuda
The 635-mile biennial Newport Bermuda Race is the oldest regularly scheduled ocean race, one of the very few international distance races, and one of just two of the world’s regularly scheduled races held almost entirely out of sight of land. This is one of the oldest regattas - it was founded in 1906. In 2020, the 52nd Bermuda Race will be held.
Its purpose is “to encourage the designing, building, and sailing of small seaworthy yachts, to make popular cruising upon deep water, and to develop in the amateur sailor a love of true seamanship, and to give an opportunity to become proficient in the art of navigation. . . .” The race attracts sailors from across North America and the globe. Regatta organizers encourage the participation of beginners.
The regatta starts just off Castle Hill Lighthouse. 150-200 boats take two hours to start the race with thousands of onlookers from the shore and water. Depending on the weather, the currents in the Gulf Stream, and the boat’s size, the race takes 2 – 6 to six days finishing off St. David’s Lighthouse.
Some interesting statistics: in 2006, the largest number of yachts - 265, participated, in 2018, yachtsmen represented 26 countries of the world. It is interesting, what facts will the regatta add to its statistics in 2020?
The regatta starts in Newport near Castle Hill Lighthouse. 150-200 yachts will take part in the race, thousands of spectators will watch the start from the shore.
The start of the race to Bermuda. Depending on weather conditions and the size of the boat, the regatta takes from two to six days.
The end of the regatta, awarding and gala dinner at the Governor's house.
The regatta runs from Newport to Bermuda via the Gulf Stream.
Yes, of course. There will be an experienced skipper and team members on the yacht. They will give you a role and teach you everything you need to know to be a useful team member and feel comfortable.
Yes, all team members will definitely try themselves in different roles to better understand each other. Standing at the helm is an integral part of training for beginners as well as setting sails, and helping the team during moorings.
As a rule, participants in the regatta live on the yacht. The boat has everything you need for a comfortable stay: nice beds, a kitchen, a shower with toilet. If you do not want to live on a yacht, then you can arrange to stay at the hotel onshore.
The crew decides altogether what kind of food they prefer to eat and makes necessary purchases. Simple dishes can be cooked, usually taking turns. Some regattas offer daily meals and intensive evening program for all crews.
We can make an invitation for a visa, but you need to apply for a visa by yourself.
Most people tolerate some seasickness easily. If you feel that you are starting to feel sick, it is best to get at the steering wheel or tune the sails. Get yourself busy, show your body that you don’t have time to get sick, you have to fight for victory in the race. There are also many quite effective medicines from sickness. If you start taking them in advance, then the probability of seasickness is almost zero.
Before each trip, we organize an online meeting where participants get to know each other and the captain. The captain will answer all your questions. The crew will have a group chat so you can get to know each other before the start of the regatta. Then you will meet in the marina.
The main rule is to dress comfortably and according to the weather. Clothing: • windbreaker and pants or shorts; • shirt/jacket with UV protection (thermal underwear and fleece); • adjustable hat/cap; • gloves. We recommend to purchase a long-sleeved jacket with UV protection in order to protect yourself from the sun and strong wind. Yachting shoes should be: • light, with non-slip white outsole; • with the fixed heel; • with a tightly closed nose. During the sailing without shoes, you can fall or injure your fingers and feet on the deck. There are many protruding parts on the boat that are easy to catch. Unfortunately, even experienced sailors are not protected from unpleasant injuries when they ignore this simple rule.