Bermuda Race Foundation

Organized by the Bermuda Race Foundation, the 636-mile biennial Newport Bermuda Race is the oldest regularly scheduled ocean race, and one of very few international distance races. The Bermuda Race is one of just two of the world’s regularly scheduled races held almost entirely out of sight of land, the second being the Transpac. Founded in 1906, the 53rd running of the Bermuda Race is scheduled for June 2024, and for the first time in the 118-year history, the start will be just off the shoreline, allowing for public viewing at Fort Adams State Park.

Its purpose was stated in 1923 by Cruising Club of America Commodore Herbert L. Stone: “In order to encourage the designing, building, and sailing of small seaworthy yachts, to make popular cruising upon deep water, and to develop in the amateur sailor a love of true seamanship, and to give opportunity to become proficient in the art of navigation. . . .”

A total of 220 boats entered the race in 2022. The largest fleet, 265 boats, sailed in the centennial race in 2006. The third largest, 197 boats turned out in 2008. The race attracts sailors from across North America and the globe. In 2016 sailors represented 23 different countries. 55 of the boats had at least one sailor from outside of the United States. As of Spring 2024, over 3,000 total Bermuda Races among the crews of the 170 boats slated to cross the starting line.