The 54th Newport Bermuda Race gets underway on Friday from Fort Adams in Rhode Island, launching nearly 150 boats on the 635-nautical-mile offshore passage to Bermuda. This year's race marks the 120th anniversary of one of the world's most famous ocean races and celebrates 100 years of partnership between the Cruising Club of America and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
Thousands of spectators are expected at the free Starting Line Festival at Fort Adams, while the race start will be broadcast live as part of the Starting Line Live Show Powered by Ørsted.
Historic Setting: An aerial view of Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island, where the 54th Newport Bermuda Race fleet will depart for the 635-nautical-mile offshore classic to Bermuda. Photo: Daniel Forster
For the first time, race followers will also be able to track daily progress through the new Gulf Stream Show Powered by Palm Beach Motor Yachts, featuring analysis, interviews and updates from the fleet as it heads south. “We could not be more excited to put on our second Starting Line Festival at Fort Adams,” said Race Chair Andrew Kallfelz. “For this year’s historic race, we wanted to make it easier than ever for fans in Rhode Island, Bermuda and around the world to follow the fleet from start to finish.”
The fleet includes several notable contenders. Bermuda's national tall ship, Spirit of Bermuda, will take part, while 1946 race winner Gesture returns to the event. Black Jack 100, the largest yacht in the fleet, will attempt to challenge the race record set a decade ago.
There was also anticipation among crews gathering in Newport ahead of the start. “It is an absolute honour for our team from the Naval Academy to be sailing in the Newport Bermuda Race,” said Midshipman Aden Newman, skipper of Wahoo. “The Academy’s team first did the race in 1936 and to be here 90 years later and be in contention to win the whole thing is the honour of a lifetime.”
Twenty-year-old Rory Meunier Mott will contest her first Bermuda Race in the Double-Handed Division aboard Kent Racing with Tim Kent. “This race means a lot to me,” she said. “Doing a double-handed event like this at my age is amazing.”
The fleet can be followed throughout the race using the YB Race Tracker, while prize-giving will take place at Government House in Bermuda on June 27.
