Photo: Stephen Cloutier
The start may be spectacular, but for many sailors and race fans, the most exciting moments of the Newport Bermuda Race happen at the finish line.
After 636 miles of offshore racing, crews make their final approach to Bermuda, navigating shifting winds, Gulf Stream strategy, and often a sleepless last night at sea before crossing the finish line off St. David's Lighthouse. Whether you're cheering on a family member, tracking your favorite boat, or following the battle for overall honors, there are several ways to stay connected as the fleet arrives in Bermuda.
Follow the Tracker
The best way to monitor the fleet is through the Palm Beach Motor Yachts Race Tracker. Updated positions allow fans to see where boats are on the course, estimate arrival times, and follow the intense competition within each division on the leaderboard.
The tracker also displays boat speeds, rankings, and historical tracks, making it easy to see who is gaining and losing ground as the race unfolds.
Understanding the Results
The first boat to finish isn't necessarily the race winner. Completing the race first is known as “Line Honors” and is an impressive accomplishment in and of itself.
While Black Jack 100 claimed Line Honors by being the first yacht to reach Bermuda, the Newport Bermuda Race is scored under the Offshore Rating Rule (ORR) that allow boats of different sizes and designs to compete fairly. As boats finish, several sets of results become available:
Line Honors
The first yacht to cross the finish line receives Line Honors recognition for the fastest elapsed time. Black Jack 100 secured Line Honors with a time just short of the Bermuda Race record.
Division Results
Boats compete within five divisions: St. David’s Lighthouse, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, Finisterre, Double-Handed, and Spirit of Tradition. The divisions are further divided into classes. For more information on the divisions, check out our Meet The Fleet article.
Corrected Time Results
The race's most coveted awards are determined using corrected time calculations that account for each boat's rating. This allows a 40-foot cruiser-racer to compete against a 100-foot maxi yacht on equal terms—think of it like a handicap system in golf.
The Results are updated as competitors finish and corrected times are calculated based on the Forecast Time Correction Factor (FCT-F) a rating that was determined the morning start based on the data available. Both the Results and Live Standings have options to see current placement in each overall division, as well as the subclasses.
The Live Standings show estimated corrected times and estimated elapsed times for each boat in a selected division. This is updated in real time and boats may be jockeying back and forth for the lead—especially in the currently too-close-to-call St. David’s Lighthouse Division. Once the entire fleet finishes, official corrected times will determine final results, so estimated corrected times are the stat to watch.
The Danger List
One of the most useful tools for following the race is the "Danger List," found within the race’s Results Page. The Danger List helps fans understand which boats still have a chance to move ahead of competitors that have already finished. Instead of trying to calculate time allowances manually, the list quickly shows which boats remain a threat to the leaders in each division and for overall honors.
To access a boat’s danger list, click on the green “Finished” button next on a finished boat’s results listing, then switch to the “Danger List” tab on the pop up.
As more boats finish, the Danger List becomes the easiest way to identify who is still in contention and when a winner is effectively secure.
Once the last boat finishes the race and any potential protests are settled, the Race Committee can officially determine honorees and trophy winners. They will be announced and presented with their hardware at the Prize Giving Ceremony on Saturday. Stay tuned to BermudaRace.com for more information!
