Marion Race Encourages Celestial Navigation

Billed as “the only offshore race with an official celestial class and trophy,” next year’s Marion-Bermuda Race has been slated to begin on June 19, 2015, leading sailors from Buzzards Bay off Marion, Massachusetts, to St. David’s Head in Bermuda, with many of the race’s participants historically opting to navigate via the sun, moon, and stars instead of utilizing modern navigation equipment.

The 2015 iteration of the race will mark its 20th run.

A spokesperson said, “The Marion Bermuda Race is the only offshore race with an official celestial class and trophy. While the race officially sanctioned electronic navigation in the 70s, many of our new and returning entrants choose the extra challenges of navigating by the sun, moon and stars.”

The event’s official website says, “Since its inception in 1977, the Marion-Bermuda Race has been a Corinthian event, and yachts are accepted by invitation. The spirit of the race is that all yachts and crew are participating for the joy and pleasure of sailing, competition, and the camaraderie that accompanies such an offshore event.”

Highlights of the Seaquester’s run during the Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race of 2013:

“The race provides an opportunity for cruising yachts and amateur crews to participate in an ocean race and a rendezvous in Bermuda. It encourages the development of blue water sailing skills on seaworthy yachts that can be handled safely offshore with limited crew. Prizes are awarded in various categories with a bonus for celestially navigated yachts.”

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