Annapolis To Bermuda Ocean Race Underway
The Mustang Survival Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race started last Saturday with a fleet of 25 making its way to the island.
The Atlantic hurricane season’s first named storm, Tropical Storm Alex, shaped up just in time for the race, with the storm’s track headed towards Bermuda. But after a one-day delay, the racers were off.
The Annapolis to Bermuda is a significant race for east coast sailors because of the unique nature of the event.
The course includes both an inshore and an offshore portion, necessitating a greater skillset than many offshore races. As such, the 753-mile race is popular with sailors who are not necessarily regatta regulars. Cruisers and amateurs are encouraged to take on the challenge.
The Annapolis to Bermuda has been co-sponsored by Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis and the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club in Hamilton, Bermuda since 1979.
This year’s fleet has a special guest: the 156-foot topsail schooner Pride of Baltimore II is participating. Unfortunately, shortly after starting the race, the schooner’s refrigeration system completely shut down, forcing skipper Jan Miles to signal to race organisers that they were withdrawing from the race. However, a quick on-the-water repair was possible, and the schooner is motoring down the Bay to catch the fleet for the offshore portion.
The Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race typically takes five to seven days for most sailors, barring any significant weather or lack of wind. Racers are planning to make landfall during the later half of this week.
The race can be tracked online at www.bermudaoceanrace.com and race updates can be found on the Annapolis2Bermuda Facebook page.
