Newport Bermuda Race Entry Opens
[Written by John Rousmaniere] The entry process for the 2012 Newport Bermuda Race opened on January 16, when applications for entry were first accepted on the race website, www.BermudaRace.com, on the Official Materials menu tab. Entry forms may be found there along with the Notice of Race and other important documents.
Applications for entry are accepted online through April 15. Any captain planning to race but not ready to file an application is asked to contact Participation@BermudaRace.com as soon as possible so planning can proceed for the race, the 48th since 1906. The race starts on June 15.
“It’s time to line up your crew, to book your hotel rooms and boat slip in Bermuda, and to enjoy the anticipation of another great Newport Bermuda Race,” advise the flag officers of the sponsoring Cruising Club of America and Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
“The reward for you and your crew is incomparable blue water sailing and the unparalleled sense of accomplishment that awaits a successful finish. This could be your year to win one of the many dazzling perpetual and keeper trophies – perhaps even a Lighthouse trophy.”
Recent races have had fleets of more than 170 boats. When 183 boats sailed “the Thrash to the Onion Patch” in 2010, it was the third largest fleet in the 106-year history of the world’s oldest regularly scheduled ocean race. One out of four Newport Bermuda Race skippers is new to the race. First-time skippers are advised to contact Participation@BermudaRace.com for the names of Race Ambassadors who will assist them in making preparations.
Since 1964 the Newport Bermuda Race has been the ocean race of the Onion Patch Series. In this three-event series, boats and crews first compete in the New York Yacht Club 158th Annual Regatta in Newport, then race to Bermuda, and finally participate in the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Anniversary Regatta. Information is online at www.onionpatchseries.com.
The race website, www.BermudaRace.com, carries Newport Bermuda Race rules, news, videos, photos, race history, and expert advice on inspections, the Gulf Stream, and preparing for the classic 635-mile race across the Gulf Stream to St. David’s Light. Race news is also posted on the Newport Bermuda Race 2012 Facebook page and on Twitter at @BdaRace.
The Cruising Club of America Newport Bermuda Race Safety at Sea Seminar will be held at Newport on March 16-17 with a new curriculum option, a new schedule, and a new seminar attendance rule, plus special hotel room rates for attendees.
