With more than 150 yachts maneuvering in the mouth of Narragansett Bay on June 20th, the start of the Newport Bermuda Race will be a spectacular sight, whether you’re watching from the nearby shore or a boat on the water.  The first gun is scheduled for 12:50, and the last start is at 2:30.

Because the race start is close to land, many spectators prefer to gather at shoreside viewing points on high ground, such as the Castle Hill Inn. Reservations may be necessary, parking and other fees may be charged, and there may be restrictions on bringing in food.

Spectator boats are permitted to watch the Bermuda Race start if they strictly observe limit buoys, keep a careful lookout, and obey the instructions of Race Committee and U.S. Coast Guard personnel in patrol boats. Because the water will be crowded and rough, dinghies, kayaks, and and other small boats are strongly discouraged.  Charter boats offering day trips are numerous at Newport. Many are listed at  Newport Charter Boats.

All spectators should be aware the use of drones (Unmanned Aircraft Systems/UAS) near outdoors public events is banned in Rhode Island. The following statement was issued by the Rhode Island Airport Corporation on June 12, 2014:  “Any use of drones/UAS in the vicinity of any public open air event would violate Rhode Island’s Uniform Aeronautical Regulatory Act (UAR) and Aeronautics Regulations, constituting a misdemeanor.  RIAC is enlisting the support of the RI State Police and local law enforcement departments to monitor and enforce this law.”