Chairman’s update
Spring is moving in, and for all of us preparing for the 2018 Newport Bermuda Race, it’s an exciting time. I’m pleased to share with you the Media Update we distributed last week, highlighting our current applications for entry slightly under 200 boats.
The Notice of Series has also been posted for the Onion Patch Series and the Onion Patch Navigators Series. You have a great opportunity to compete in both the New York Yacht Club 164th Annual Regatta (June 9-10) and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Anniversary Regatta (June 22) and enter the entire series—either the traditional or Navigators Onion Patch series. This is both an individual-boat and a team competition; join up with some fellow racers and add to the fun of your upcoming racing. (Full entry details here.)
I’m also pleased to announce new recognition for those sailors who have completed the race multiple times before. If you have sailed the race 5 times or more, you are invited to join the newly created Gulf Stream Society. Apply online and you will receive a special pin that will help explain to others why you’re happily sailing away, every other year, for the month of June. We look forward to seeing the Society’s ranks grow and telling stories of salt-encrusted sailors like you in the months to come.
Jonathan Brewin
2018 Newport Bermuda Race Chairman
chairman@bermudarace.com
Media Update: 195 Entries at Deadline
After the April 1 entry deadline, the Media Team sent this assessment of the fleet to interested media. Read on.
On the wind, a class gets underway in the Newport Bermuda Race. © DanielForster.com 
Experienced cruising sailors raise the bar a notch when they enter the Newport Bermuda Race, and Sunflower’s owner Mark Lenci knows it goes beyond upgrading the sail inventory and taking the dinghy off the davits on the stern of his Beneteau Oceanis 523. Performance is one thing; mindset is another. Mark sailed the race once before as a crew aboard a friend’s boat, but this will be his first race as skipper, with Sunflower entered to sail in the Finisterre Division. Read more.
Bermuda Shipping Containers Load at Newport Yachting Center
A commercial shipping company has been contracted to assist captains and crews wishing to send gear, sails, etc. to Bermuda. Loading of four 20′ containers will take place at Newport Yachting Center on June 13 from 0900-1700, and June 14 from 0800-1600. (Gear is expected to be available at RBYC on June 18.) For more info, including Bermuda Customs Form and instructions.
Race Registration & Bermuda Border Control at Harbour Court
(See Bermuda Border Control page for more about pre-clearing into Bermuda.)
Registration Bermuda Border Control
Sun June 10 1200-1600 Not available
Mon June 11 0900-1700 Not available
Tue June 12 0900-1700 0830-1630
Wed June 13 0900-1600 0830-1630
Thu June 14 Not available 0800-1800**
** Thursday hours are different than for previous races; Bermuda Border Control will close at 1800 hours SHARP!
Horseshoe Bay Beach is perhaps Bermuda’s most famous pink-sand beach.
Experienced cruising sailors raise the bar a notch when they enter the Newport Bermuda Race, and Sunflower’s owner Mark Lenci knows it goes beyond upgrading the sail inventory and taking the dinghy off the davits on the stern of his Beneteau Oceanis 523. Performance is one thing; mindset is another. Mark sailed the race once before as a crew aboard a friend’s boat, but this will be his first race as skipper, with Sunflower entered to sail in the Finisterre Division. Read more.
Bermuda Shipping Containers Load at Newport Yachting Center
A commercial shipping company has been contracted to assist captains and crews wishing to send gear, sails, etc. to Bermuda. Loading of four 20′ containers will take place at Newport Yachting Center on June 13 from 0900-1700, and June 14 from 0800-1600. (Gear is expected to be available at RBYC on June 18.) For more info, including Bermuda Customs Form and instructions.
Race Registration & Bermuda Border Control at Harbour Court
(See Bermuda Border Control page for more about pre-clearing into Bermuda.)
Registration Bermuda Border Control
Sun June 10 1200-1600 Not available
Mon June 11 0900-1700 Not available
Tue June 12 0900-1700 0830-1630
Wed June 13 0900-1600 0830-1630
Thu June 14 Not available 0800-1800**
** Thursday hours are different than for previous races; Bermuda Border Control will close at 1800 hours SHARP!
