The 2016 Newport Bermuda Race, commemorating its 50th edition, commenced on June 17 with over 190 boats entered to start on the 635-nautical-mile journey from Newport, Rhode Island, to Bermuda. The race was marked by a blend of challenging conditions, with many boats withdrawing before the start due to large system that was going to cross the rumbline.

In the St. David’s Lighthouse Division, Christopher Sheehan’s Warrior Won, an Xp44, secured the coveted trophy with a corrected time of 70 hours, 40 minutes, and 3 seconds, outperforming 70 competitors in the largest division of the race.

The Open Division witnessed a record-breaking performance by Jim and Kristy Hinze Clark’s 100-foot Comanche, skippered by Ken Read. The yacht set a new course record with an elapsed time of 34 hours, 42 minutes, and 33 seconds, surpassing the previous record by over four hours.

In the Double-Handed Division, Yankee Girl, a Morris Justine 36 co-skippered by Zachary Lee and Gust Stringos, emerged victorious among 16 entries.

The Cruiser Division's Carleton Mitchell Finisterre Trophy was awarded to Shearwater, a Mason 43 helmed by Daniel Biemesderfer from Stonington Harbor Yacht Club, for achieving first place on corrected time.

Notably, the race also highlighted youth participation, with the Young American Junior Big Boat Sailing Team from the American Yacht Club sailing High Noon, a Tripp 41, to a commendable finish. The team, comprising seven sailors aged 15 to 18, secured second place overall on elapsed time and won the newly established Stephens Brothers Youth Trophy.

The 2016 race was a testament to the enduring spirit of offshore sailing, blending tradition with innovation and showcasing exceptional talent across generations.