Newport Bermuda Race competitors and fans:
The ink is barely dry on the 2018 race results, most boats have returned home and are carrying on with their seasonal sailing—and race organizers are already hard at work on the 52nd “Thrash to the Onion Patch.”
The next race will start on Friday, June 19, 2020, and this is our first race bulletin looking toward that date.
Those of you who, like me, have entered the race before know that it is no small task to prepare your yacht and crew to fulfill all requirements and be ready to race that Friday afternoon. You also know the best time to start planning is now. This newsletter aims to help with the process, and in particular contains an update on important safety training news.
As race chairman, I invite you to let me know if there is anything our Bermuda Race Organizing Committee or I can do to make your experience preparing for and racing to Bermuda more efficient and enjoyable. And, I hope you will encourage other qualified sailors you know to consider participating.
As the oldest continuously running ocean race in the world, the Newport Bermuda Race remains one of the most challenging and unpredictable ocean adventures for dedicated offshore yachtsmen and yachtswomen. I sincerely hope I will see you on the line in Newport and after the finish at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
Best wishes,
Jay Gowell
2020 Newport Bermuda Race Chairman
[email protected]
Safety Training Requirements Increased for 2020 Race
Newport Bermuda Race competitors will see upgraded and simplified safety requirements in 2020 and will have additional options to receive hands-on training. By Mark Lenci, Safety at Sea Education leader for the Cruising Club of America
Major East Coast races are taking steps to increase safety-at-sea crew training, and the Newport Bermuda Race is no exception. With this article, Bermuda Race organizers are giving early notice of the new requirements. The net effect of the changes for most crews who sailed in the 2018 Race is that in 2020 they’ll need one more crew with certification of hands-on safety-at-sea training.
The next three Cruising Club of America Safety at Sea courses are scheduled on Sunday, October 7, 2018; Saturday, January 12, 2019, and Saturday, March 16, 2019. The classes will be held at Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI. To learn more and register, visit the CCA site. Read more.
Pantaenius: Official Race Tracking Sponsor & Yacht Insurance Specialist
As official sponsor of the YB tracking device in this summer’s race, Pantaenius took tremendous pride in providing continuous coverage for family and friends to follow along with your progress—or for you to replay the race at any time. We take the same pride in providing insurance cover for our more than 100,000 clients worldwide.
At Pantaenius, we understand the needs of sailors and motor yacht owners. We have no deductible for lightning, fire and total loss—plus we cover latent defects, which most companies do not. And no depreciation whatsoever! In the event of an emergency, you can reach our in-house claims experts 24/7, and gain access to our network of 35,000 contacts worldwide.
Visit pantaenius.com for a free quote for your vessel 27‘ and over.
Last Chance, 2018 Survey
Thanks to everyone who already responded to our post-race survey. If you haven’t taken it yet, we encourage you to do so—your opinions and views are extremely important to us. Click here for the survey, which will close August 15, 2018.
Looking Back at 2018
Check out our Media Gallery including photos from start to prize-giving and several video links.
