Sailing in the Newport Bermuda Race adds a huge jolt of adrenaline to our sailing calendar. We’re normally relaxed cruising types, but we bought Esmeralde, a Sabre 386, for her performance characteristics and the Newport Bermuda Race is the ultimate test of the boat and our skills. Preparing for the race helps to keep our boat it top condition, and competing keeps us sharp and competent. And, as all our friends like to kid us, the Bermuda Race double-handed is a pretty good test of our marriage…
We spend most of our time cruising shorthanded as a couple. For us the Bermuda Race is a great opportunity to competing side-by-side with some of the best short-handed offshore sailors that the racing community has to offer.
But beyond all the good parts of competition, a challenging ocean passage and the satisfaction of preparing well, you just can’t beat the pure thrill of it all, the sense of accomplishment, and the spectacular hospitality in Bermuda when it’s all over!