Menu

Newport Bermuda News (Nov. 2018)

November 28, 2018

By Media Team


This year's Thrash to the Onion Patch is over, but there are stories to tell. We feature a sampling in this edition of Newport Bermuda Race News for race fans, friends and prospective competitors. We also explain how the Race won Gold in 2018, offer news of safety updates for 2020, and throw down an Instagram challenge to show what you've been shooting while #offshoresailing.

Also, if you have an intention to compete in the 2020 race, please join our mailing list to receive Competitor Bulletins and these newsletters by signing up in the blue footer section at the bottom of this page.

Smooth sailing
Jay Gowell,
Chairman, 2020 Newport Bermuda Race
[email protected]

Bob and Kathyrn Lally finish Newport Bermuda Race 2018
Bob Lally ’08 and his wife Kathryn just after the Newport Bermuda Race finish in 2018.

Onboard to Bermuda: Coast Guard Alumni Like the Sea and its Lore

The 51st Newport to Bermuda Race provided a true test of seamanship to several modern-day Coast Guard Academy adventurers. Let's hear what they have to say about it:

"One of the requirements is to attend a hands-on safety at sea training course. There are few things more humbling than inflating a life jacket in a pool and trying to embark a life raft under the most benign, controlled conditions. It really makes you think seriously about one hand for yourself and one for the ship; you do not want to go overboard at sea." - Bob Lally

"On this 2018 Newport to Bermuda race and the trip back, I wound up on the foredeck twice with Cadet Eric Gimple, both times at O-dark-thirty, pitch black night, hauling a blown-out sail down... On one of those nights, we wound up slashing the sail to ribbons with our rigging knives in order to disentangle it from the rig...in 13- to 15-foot seas. - Capt. Chris Sinnett

"Although the lack of wind was frustrating at times, there was no lack of adventure. Halfway through the race, we spotted something on the horizon that had a black bottom and orange top…a life raft." - Lt. Cdr. J.J. Schock

"This was my third Bermuda Race, but with a long time since my first two (‘54 & ‘56). I received a surprise invitation to go on the race from my son, Chip Merlin, who bought the yacht Merlin for offshore racing." - Rear Adm. W.F. Merlin

Read more


Onboard to Bermuda: The Sequel is a Winner for YYZ

Racing was not top of mind when Justin Bonar decided to buy a Jeanneau 53 in 2013, but the boat was fast and his friends encouraged him. “We made lots of mistakes at first,” he admits, “but we became competitive in 2015 and got the big idea to do the Newport Bermuda Race in 2016.”

Justin raced YYZ to Bermuda in both 2016 and 2018 and made videos of the adventure each time. On the Jeanneau 53’s second trip to the Onion Patch, the team also won its class, and the skipper doubled down on video production.

Read and watch


Gulf Stream Society Profile - Ted von Rosenvinge

If you ask any Newport Bermuda Race veteran, there is a good chance they will recall their first race like it happened last weekend. Both the challenge and the stature of the 635-mile “Thrash to the Onion Patch” ensure most participants a storehouse of lasting and often life-changing memories. In the first of an occasional series, meet Ted, a 10-time competitor who has joined the race's new society for those who never tire of the adventure.

Read more

Gulf Stream squall ahead during Newport Bermuda Race by John Rousmaniere

#Instagram Challenge
"Gulf Stream Squall Ahead" by John Rousmaniere was our most popular post on Instagram during the fall. Post your favorite race shot and tag @bermudarace (or send it to [email protected] and we'll post it). In our next issue, we'll highlight the fan favorites. #bermudarace #offshoresailing

2020 Briefs

Cruising Club of America increases frequency of safety seminars 2018-2020. - The CCA, co-sponsor of the Newport Bermuda Race, is working to simplify and strengthen the safety training requirements for racing crew. Whether you are competing in the upcoming race or planning other bluewater sailing, increased frequency of training opportunities make hands-on safety training more available than ever. For those who didn't see it, Bulletin #2 had the detail last month.

Race Wins Gold Level Clean Regattas Certification - Joe Harris, leader of the 2018 Newport Bermuda Race Green Team, reported achieving 19 of 25 best practices en route to earning Gold certification. Those practices included: 1) Organizing a Green Team of volunteers; 2) Engaging the public through the race website and social media; 3) Reducing the number of single-serve plastic water bottles used by competitors in favor of re-usable containers...Read more including Joe's plans for 2020.

Is the 2020 Race on Your Bucket List? If you are a prospective skipper or crew in the 2020 race and are not yet receiving Competitor Bulletins and these Newport Bermuda Race fan newsletters, please sign up on the form below (see blue foooter area).  New entrants are also encouraged to connect with our Ambassadors program and let an experienced competitor offer guidance.

Thank you to our Sponsors

Bermuda Tourism
Goslings
Pantaenius Insurance
HellyHansen
Hinckley Yachts
Safe Harbor Marinas / Brewer Yacht Yards
Newport Shipyard
North Sails

Endurance Exploration Group
Airmar

Latest Bermuda Race News


March 20, 2024

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Thora Lund Robinson and the First Bermuda Race to Today’s female skippers

In honor of Women's History Month, we shine a spotlight on a remarkable woman whose adventurous spirit and determination made history in the world of sailing. Thora Lund Robinson at age 20, aboard the yacht Gauntlet, participated in the inaugural Bermuda Race in 1906, leaving a legacy that resonates to this day.

February 21, 2024

Competitor Bulletin #5: Important Winter Deadlines and Reminders

Notices, Reminders, and Deadlines pertinent to all 2024 Competitors

February 17, 2024

Race Preparations Updates from Competitors

Photo: Courtesy of Gimple family In racing updates, as our 168 entered teams gear up for the June 21st start, we checked in with a few of them on how […]

PRESENTING SPONSORS


OFFICIAL SPONSORS


SUPPORTERS


Interested in hearing more from us?

Set your email preference for Race News, Competitor Bulletins, or our new "Captain Alerts" for potential owners interested in 2024.