The Newport to Bermuda Race course is one of the most interesting and challenging ocean courses anywhere and depending on weather conditions the race can be won by big boats, small boats or boats in the middle of the fleet. The rhumbline course to Bermuda is approximately 162 degrees magnetic, the distance 635 nautical miles.
Starting off Fort Adams, Newport, Rhode Island, the first 15 miles of the race are in the confluence of conflicting tidal currents. The flooding tide generates easterly current west of Point Judith and westerly current east of Brenton's Reef. The typical wind direction is south to southwest although easterlies are not uncommon, and there is often a sea breeze for the later starters. Government marks guarding the reefs must be observed.
The first Bermuda Race was run in 1906 starting from Gravesend Bay, NY with three starters and was competed intermittently until 1926 when a regular schedule of holding the race in even years began. That schedule has continued to the present except for a hiatus during WWII. Beginning with the 1923 event the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club hosted the finish and festivities after the race. The Cruising Club of America has sponsored it in conjunction with the RBYC since 1926. In 1938 the start was moved to Newport, Rhode Island. Over the years the CCA worked with many groups to develop the rating rules that the race was sailed under. Today the Newport Bermuda race stands as a pinnacle in ocean racing. The 100th anniversary of the competition will be in 2006.
The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club
Tel: 441-296-8598
Tel: 441-295-9652
Tel: 441-295-9468
