Newport Bermuda Race Starting Line Festival
120 Years of Offshore Sailing History Comes Alive at Fort Adams
Why This Is the Must-See Moment
of Newport Summer 2026
A Centennial Celebration
2026 marks 100 years of partnership between Cruising Club of America & Royal Bermuda Yacht Club co-organizing one of the largest & oldest international sailing events in the world.
The Best Seat on the East Coast
Watch 175 boats launch on a biennial 636-mile journey from Fort Adams, a natural amphitheater framed by the Newport Bridge and iconic lighthouses.
America’s Sailing Capital
Newport, RI is a captivating blend of coastal charm, walkable streets, and rich maritime heritage. Creating a vibrant waterfront for a perfect summer escape.
Star Power & Storytelling
Sailing legends will provide live commentary, bringing the action and stories from the water to the shoreline—so you’ll be able to follow and enjoy every moment.
A Friday Afternoon Playtime and Party
From 11-4 PM at Fort Adams, enjoy food trucks, bars, live music, kids’ zone with activities, shopping, and exhibits from local partners—all in one festive waterfront setting.
The Fast-Growing Summer Tradition
In 2024, the first year of the new starting party 4,000 spectators attended in person, and over 12,000 joined online. 2026 is expected to be even bigger!
How to get to Fort Adams
By Land: 72 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI 02840
- Parking is free in the paved lot and field across the street
- Uber and Lyft are widely available in the area
By Sea:
Seastrak Ferry from Providence
- Schedule posted in Spring 2026
Oldport Marine Launch Service
- Operates in all of Newport Harbor 8AM - 10PM
- Channel 68 on VHF Or Call 401-847-9109 to hail
- Launches also leave Oldport Marine (next to the Moorings Restaurant) at the top of the hour and Sail Newport on the half-hour
- $5 per person each way
- See oldportmarine.com for a detailed schedule
Jamestown Ferry
- Daily leaves Jamestown at 10:30, 12:00, 1:30, and 3:00
- Daily leaves Fort Adams 11:30, 1:00, 2:30, and 4:00
- $30 all day or $20 one way
- See jamestownnewportferry.com for details
NEWPORT BERMUDA RACE
STARTING LINE FESTIVAL
Friday June 19, 2026
11-4 PM
FREE ENTRY
Want to showcase your business in front of thousands of local customers and regional tourists? We will be having an exhibition and looking for companies who might want to join us fill out this form to inquire.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Gates are open from 11:00 - 4:00 PM
Music from 11:00 - 1:00 PM
Food from 11:00 - 3:00 PM
Beer Garden open from 11:00 - 4:00 PM
Exhibits from 11:00 - 4:00 PM
Shopping from 11:00 - 4:00 PM
Starting Line Live Show begins 12:45 PM
First Warning Signal 1:00PM
First start 1:10 PM
Last Class starts 3:00 PM
SUPPORTERS
