Entry for the 2024 Newport Bermuda Race will open at 1300 EDT on June 16, 2023. Skippers/Owners may initiate their entry on [Sailgate]. Entry may not be initiated after April 7, 2024. The fee structure is very similar to that of the 2022 race. The entry fee is based on LOA (ORR), division entered, and date on which entry is initiated. A deposit of 50% of the entry fee is due within 10 days of initiating entry. Early entrants are rewarded with lower fees than later entries. Please see the fee schedule table and fee details in the NOR.   

All entrants regardless of past NBR experience must complete the ‘Offshore Experience Form’ . Based on the past experience of the Captain and Navigator entered in the ‘Offshore Experience Form’ you may be directed to complete an extended response form to provide more details. The experience information provided will be reviewed by the Qualifications Committee. After review, entrants will receive an Invitation to Complete Entry, or a request for more information. 

Data collected here, including crew lists, boat particulars, and other information, will be retained to streamline entries to future Bermuda Races. Except as noted below, all forms must be completed and filed by the entrant and all crew, and the balance of your entry fees paid and your Captain’s Waiver filed not later than April 7, 2024.

Captains are responsible for arranging an appointment with an Inspector (available from the Official Notice Board) at a mutually convenient time for their pre-race inspection. Captains are also responsible for preparation of their yacht and its equipment in advance of the agreed inspection time so as to make most efficient use of their Inspector’s time. Inspection must be completed not later than June 7, 2024. (NOR 6.2 a). A self inspection option is available to some entrants, please read NOR 6.2 b.

Royal Bermuda Yacht Club requires yachts to pre-register for dock space by submitting a form (pdf). Space is limited and captains are encouraged to sign up early. Please wait

Note that at least 30% of a yacht’s crew (including the Captain, and the Navigator or a Watch Captain) must hold a valid World Sailing approved Offshore Personal Survival Course Certificate.  US Sailing schedules courses meeting this requirement at many locations around the country, however some courses do not satisfy Newport Bermuda Race Requirements.

Yacht measurement and certificate processing arrangements must be initiated by April 13, 2024 and measurement data for your rating must be in the hands of US Sailing’s Offshore Office no later than May 31, 2024, except that sail certificates may be submitted not later than June 7, 2024. Captains are responsible for arranging measurement of their yacht by a US Sailing approved measurer at a mutually convenient time and place. (The US Sailing Offshore office can also help with many rating questions.) Note that measurement may begin as early as the Fall 2023 if major alterations or repairs to your yacht before the start are not expected.

Your entire crew must be invited using the Crew Management on the entry system, and they must accept their invitations and complete their individual registration and waivers not later than June 7, 2024.

Most divisions limit the number of non-Group 1 sailors (non- amateurs) on the crew.  To be considered a Group 1 sailor, competitors must have a Sailor Categorization of Group 1 issued by World Sailing that is valid for the duration of the race.  For more about the Sailor Categorization Code and instructions for applying for a World Sailor ID and a Sailor Categorization, visit World Sailing’s website.  Sailors seeking a Group 1 Categorization are encouraged to apply early. 

There are five special trophies for which you may wish to compete. Each year some skippers qualify but fail to register for the Special Entry trophies and subsequently miss out on some terrific prizes they might have won. Don’t let this be you!

First gun is scheduled at 1300. We’ll see you there.