Message from the Race Chair:

Last summer began with an extraordinary running of the Newport Bermuda Race, the 52nd edition, and if you’re like me, you’ve enjoyed many miles of racing or cruising in the months since then. Now as the seasons are changing, you’re probably looking ahead to winter boat projects and preparing for next year. Although the next Newport Bermuda Race won’t start until June 21, 2024, now is a good time to begin planning for that, too.

International Offshore Safety at Sea with Hands-On Training is a good example of how you can prepare now. Whether you are planning to compete with your own boat and crew or would like to make yourself a more valuable potential crew, updating your certification now can be a plus. Every skipper likes to have more than the minimum number of people qualified. The Cruising Club of America and New York Yacht Club are holding a training session on Oct. 22 in Bristol, R.I. and registration is open.

Newport Bermuda Race honors your Safety at Sea training for the three consecutive races after you complete your training. If you take the October 22 course, you will meet the criteria for 2024, 2026, and 2028 Newport Bermuda Races. Complete info on the course and future course dates can also be found on the CCA website.

Lastly, the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee is actively making plans for 2024, too, and we’d like your input.  I will be sending periodic “Chair-Grams” to all potential owners and captains covering only one relevant topic at a time that should be on your radar.  I have already been in touch with many owners and captains and want to assure we are not missing anyone. So if you’re considering sailing in the 2024 race, please manage your email preferences by filling out this form (it will update if you are already a subscriber) so we can stay connected with you regularly—or put yourself only on our Race Newsletter so we limit the emails you receive.

If you know someone interested in the race, send them to bermudarace.com/newsletter to be added to the list. 

Born of the desire to forge the working history of the wharf into the very pulse of Newport, Hammetts Hotel is part of the fabric of this community—and also an official sponsor of the Newport Bermuda Race. Our aim is to be a welcoming port for visitors, as well as Rhode Island locals; always giving as good as we get.