Marion-Bermuda Race To Celebrate 20th Run
The Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race, first run in 1977, is getting set to celebrate its 20th iteration in 2015, with more than 100 vessels expected to take part in the action.
According to MarionBermuda.com, “The first Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race in 1977 saw 104 starters cross the line.
“The going was slow in light southwesterly winds and most of the officials at the finish line thought Chee Chee would cross first. But her position was not accurate and Silkie took line honors, first on corrected time and first short-handed.
“The next race, in 1979, saw 128 starters plunging into 25-knot southwesterly winds. The struggle with nature caused two dismastings and 14 DNFS. Silkie took the short-handed trophy for a second time, while Gabriella took first to finish and first on corrected time. The new “Beverly Family Trophy” was created and awarded to Asteroid.
Highlights of the Seaquester’s run during the Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race of 2013:
“Years later, the start of the 1989 race suffered several postponements due to the lack of wind. However, once the race was underway, 163 vessels, the biggest fleet in the history of the Marion-Bermuda Race, cleared the starting line and headed for that pleasant rendezvous in Bermuda. On Monday, Warren Brown’s War Baby crossed the finish line after 72 1/2 hours at sea, breaking the standing record.
“The 2009 race was a nightmare. Of the original forty-eight entries, three did not start, and 15 retired in the face of confused seas and strong westerly winds early in the race.”
The 20th running of the Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race will take place on June 19, 2015.
