By Fred Deichmann, Chairman, 2014 Bermuda Race Organizing Committee 

With two weeks to go before Applications for Entry close on April 1st for the 49th Newport Bermuda Race, 158 boats have filed applications.  Many boats identified with the race are returning and there is enthusiastic response from first-time skippers, who make up 20 percent of the total.

The variety of entries is notable. Among the returnees are 2006 and 2008 St. David's Lighthouse Division winner Pete Rebovich with his crew in Sinn Fein. Remarkably, the Cal 40 was almost destroyed in superstorm Sandy, but she's been rebuilt and will be on the start line on June 20.  The famous wooden 52' yawl Dorade, built in 1929 for designer Olin Stephens, returns under owner Matt Brooks. Last year Dorade won the Transpac Race. Rives Potts' 2010 and 2012 St. David's winner Carina and Hap Fauth's Gibbs Hill Division regular top finisher Bella Mente will race, too.  Spirit of Bermuda, owned by the Bermuda Sloop Foundation and modeled on 19th century Bermudan commercial ships, will race again. In 2012, sailing with a crew of Bermuda youngsters, she was awarded a special seamanship award for her efforts to assist another racing boat that was in trouble.

As the entry window closes, Bermuda Race organizers are proud of the tremendous diversity and great quality of this fleet.  Please join us for the 2014 Thrash to the Onion Patch.

Applications for Entry are due by 1700 hours, April 1, after which applicants may incur a time penalty.  The process begins in the Entry Portal on the race web site. Also online are a complete guide to entry, race documents and requirements and an extensive FAQ, all found under the "Entry" section at BermudaRace.com.