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Bermuda Race 2020 Cancellation Information

The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee (BROC) has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Newport Bermuda Race due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our position has always been that we can only conduct the race if conditions for competitors and local populations made it safe to do so. After continuing to seek guidance from numerous government and medical advisors, it has become evident there is not a clear timeline allowing our sailors and supporters to prepare for and participate in this offshore race safely. 

Q&A Regarding Cancellation

In an effort to be as transparent as possible, we will be updating this FAQ as questions arise. If you have a question or input, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Why did you cancel the 2020 Race?

The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Newport Bermuda Race due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our position has always been that we can only conduct the race if conditions for competitors and local populations made it safe to do so. After continuing to seek guidance from numerous government and medical advisors, it became evident there is not a clear timeline allowing our sailors and supporters to safely prepare for and participate in this offshore race. 

Will competitors get a refund?

Our Committee and race co-sponsors, the Cruising Club of America and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, are working to resolve the full financial impact of the race cancellation.

Here is our commitment:

  • We will work with sponsors, vendors and suppliers to balance our accounts equitably.
  • The majority of entry-fee deposit funds have been spent in preparation for the race; however, we will return all entry fees paid over and above the initial deposits.
  • Neither the CCA nor RBYC will receive any funds from BROC.
Can I get a credit for the 2022 race?

In order to avoid starting the next edition of the race in deficit and ensure future Newport Bermuda Race financial solubility, we cannot give credits for entry fees for 2022.

If I have PPE (Personal Protective Gear) I will not be using, where can I donate it?

As you all know, personal protective equipment (PPE) that is so vital to the protection of health care workers is in very short supply. If you have any supplies such as masks, gloves, and other PPE that can be donated, please do so. Contact your local hospital to find out how

What can I do about reservations made in Bermuda?

We ask that you contact the vendors for your arrangements in Bermuda personally. However, we encourage participants with bookings in Bermuda to ask that any lodging deposit be credited to visits to Bermuda at a later date.

RBYC will return any dockage deposits. 

What about an alternative race that doesn’t land in Bermuda?

Some sailors have reached out and proposed an alternative race that would not land a fleet of sailors in Bermuda. As appealing an option as this may be to some, in the larger context of the pandemic, we have chosen not to organize an alternative race.

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