A Century of Sailing
The Newport to Bermuda race has drawn yachters to the island for a hundred years.

By Talbot Wilson

Founded in 1906, the world-famous Newport to Bermuda yacht race celebrated its 100th birthday in 2006. On June 16, 2006, a record setting fleet of 264 yachts sailed from Newport, Rhode Island, across 635 nautical miles, to cross the finish line at St. David's Lighthouse in Bermuda. Held every two years, the Newport Bermuda Race is a great cause for celebration at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club on Hamilton Harbour.

The racing boats, ranging from 36-100 feet, brave all that the Atlantic has to offer as they cross the Gulf Stream and pull into Bermuda. As soon as the yachts cross the finish line on the eastern end of the island, they sail on to Hamilton and dock at the yacht club marina.

Yachts competing in the race sail in five divisions. The Big Boat Demonstration Division is for boats with cutting-edge designs helmed by professionals. Top-ranked sailors also may compete in a racing division for smaller high-tech entries. The largest division is for cruiser/racer-style yachts that are owned and operated by amateurs. A non-spinnaker division attracts family-style crews, and a double-handed division encompasses those who want to brave the elements in Corinthian style.

Locals and visitors alike are invited to tour the marina to view these magnificent sailing boats, or stop by the yacht club's terrace bar for a Dark and Stormy^TM. Each day, as more boats finish, the marina fills with colourful flags flying from riggings. In the evenings, the yacht club becomes the most popular party spot in Bermuda. Food is served on the terrace and disco dancing continues throughout the night.

Then sailing fun continues with competitors joining other Bermuda boats for the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club's regattas. Racing takes place in the Great Sound near the western end of the island and finishes in Hamilton Harbour, just off the marina. The mid-afternoon finish often features some close sailing under billowing, multicoloured spinnaker sails. This is the final event of the international Onion Patch Series, which begins two weeks earlier in the New York Yacht Club's Annual Regatta in Newport and includes the Bermuda race as its ocean course.

Detailed information, race results and history can be found here.

The next Newport to Bermuda Race is scheduled for June 2010.

Bill Barton chaired the 2006 Bermuda Race Organizing Committee and continues to serve on it as it plans the 2010 race.

Almost all the reporting skippers who participated in the 2008 Newport Bermuda Race said they were interested in racing again in 2010. Fred Madeira, skipper of the J/44 Resolute, summed up his race in comments in his post-race survey: "This was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and it was exciting to be part of the pre-race Newport and post-race Bermuda scene. I was thrilled to be able to share the experience with my 16-year-old son and the eight other close friends who were on board for the race. Hopefully, next time we will sail a smarter and faster race!"

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