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 155 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 Bike: 72 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI 02840
- Bike parking available on site with racks thanks to BikeNewport
- Help us decrease traffic, carbon emissions, and parking stress for you and the whole community.
- Visit Bike Newport for resources on parking, routes, and more
By Sea:
Seastrak Ferry from Providence
- Daily leaves Providence 9:30a, 12:30p
- Daily leaves Newport 6:30p, 9:20p
- Bikes travel for free!
- Explore Newport Harbor in Comfort. Hop on and off at any stop, all day long! Family-friendly, scenic, and affordable harbor shuttle service. Wheelchair Accessible
- $18 Ride All Day/ $6 Children under 12
- Channel 68 on VHF Or Call 401-847-9109 to hail
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
- $34 all day / $22 for children
By Car: 72 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI 02840
- Parking is free and our parking team will direct you where to park.
- Uber and Lyft are widely available in the area, and drop off is feet from the event entrance
NEWPORT BERMUDA RACE
STARTING LINE FESTIVAL
Friday June 19, 2026
11 - 4 PM
FREE ENTRY
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Gates are open from 11:00 - 4:00 PM
Music from 11:00 - 12:45 PM
Food from 11:00 - 3:00 PM
Beer Garden open from 11:30 - 4:30 PM
Exhibits from 11:00 - 4:00 PM
Kid Zone from 11:00 - 4:00 PM
Skin Checks from 11:00 - 4:00 PM
Sail Beyond Cancer Newport and its partner, Harken DERM, have teamed up with Rhode Island Dermatological Society, American Academy of Dermatologists, and board-certified dermatologists from Brown University's Department of Dermatology to conduct expert examinations concerning spots on your skin. They'll look at lesions and areas of concern and be able to provide advice on how to protect your skin from sun exposure and other risks. Visit their tent!
Shopping from 11:00 - 4:00 PM
Starting Line Live Show presented by Ørsted begins 12:45 PM
First Warning Signal 1:00PM
First start 1:10 PM
Last Class starts 3:00 PM
SUPPORTERS
