Entry Fees Increase For Marion Bermuda Race
[Written by Talbot Wilson]
Entry fees for racers entering in the 20th Marion to Bermuda Race that starts June 19, 2015 will increase by $150 per yacht as the regular entry period ends Monday April 20th. The regular Entry Fee is $950 for Yacht and Skipper plus $50 for each additional crewmember.
The entry fee for a service academy or University sailing club is $475 plus $50 for each additional crewmember. After this Monday, April 20th, the Entry Fee is $1,100 plus $50 per crewmember.
Skippers racing in the 2015 Race will earn priority status for dockage and mooring space in 2017 to experience the 2017 America’s Cup being sailed about one week after trophies are awarded in June 2017. “They may also receive special discounts following this year’s race surrounding their stay for the America’s Cup.” Said Ray Cullum, a past Commodore of the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion and 2015 Marketing Director.
Participating in the 2015 race will act as a warm-up-trip to Bermuda that will enable participants to make a crossing to Bermuda and become familiar with all that the islands have to offer for their next race. That race in 2017 will be a “race in company” to watch AC35 in Bermuda from the comfort of their own boat.
Returning for a deja vu, Ian Gumprecht of Oyster Bay NY and Mark Swanson of North Creek NY, co-skippers of Roust sailed their little Sea Sprite 34 to first place in Class C and for first place in the entire Founders Division won the top prize for the race, the Founders Trophy. Along the way they snagged the Double-Handed Trophy. They are back again for 2015
©Talbot Wilson
There is still time to apply for an invitation and to register for the 2015 Marion Bermuda Race and enjoy big benefits during the America’s Cup in 2017. To date there are 52 yachts entered or in the process of entering for the June 19 start in Marion.
We have seen a 30% plus increase in registration over the 2013 Race. We’re especially pleased with the renewed enthusiasm in the celestial class and the Offshore Youth Challenge is growing. “We could still see a bump this weekend as experienced skippers often enter at the last instant,” Cullum added.
Many skippers say preparation is by far the most challenging component of the race [paling in comparison to the actual passage itself] but preparation can still be accomplished. Using the Marion Bermuda Race mentor program will help you make the most efficient use of your preparation time by consulting with people who have been there and done that before.
Please let organizers know of your interest in the Race as soon as possible – and if you would like to be paired with a Mentor, we will connect you. Send an e-mail torace@marionbermuda.com and we will match you up with your own Mentor.
Shindig took Line Honors in the 2013 Marion Bermuda Race. According to finish line chairman Eugene Rayner, the big blue Andrews 68 finished the 645 nm course at 4:55:13 ADT/3:55:13 EDT on Tuesday morning June 18. Although this looked to be a fast race for the first 48 hours, it became painfully slow as the boat inched its way in the last 100 miles approaching Bermuda.©Spectrum Photo
Since its inception in 1977, the biennial Marion Bermuda Race has been a premier 645 mile ocean race and sailing event which appeals to a broad range of cruising and racing enthusiasts.
The spirit of the race is one focused on Family and Fun, and all yachts and crew are participating for the joy and pleasure of sailing, competition, and the camaraderie that accompanies such an offshore event. The Marion Bermuda Race encourages the development of blue water sailing skills on seaworthy yachts that can be handled safely offshore with limited crew.
Oh how sweet it is / will be having so many sailing vessel in the waters of balmy Bermuda come this summer onward. And lets not forget them motor yachts.