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Registration for 2025 Marion Bermuda Race opens

MARION — Registration for the 2025 Marion Bermuda Race is now open.

Next year’s race will be June 20, and early bird registration is available until December. 

The biannual race begins in Buzzards Bay in Marion off of the Beverly Yacht Club and ends off St. David’s Head in Bermuda, where the race is hosted by the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club. The Blue Water Sailing Club also hosts the race.

The Marion Bermuda Race is a fully Corinthian event with no professional yacht or crew entries. The event is for the racer-cruiser, with all boat entries meeting the requirements for cruising equipment outlined in the notice of race.

New to the race in 2025 is a Performance Handicap Racing Fleet division, in addition to the existing divisions, youth trophy, celestial navigation divisions and more, according to a press release.

“Whether you're a seasoned past skipper or contemplating your first ocean race, the Marion Bermuda Race offers a thrilling combination of competition, camaraderie, and a destination that just can’t be described until experienced: Bermuda,” committee chair Ray Cullum said in the release.

For first-time racers,  a co-pilot mentorship program that pairs new skippers with seasoned skippers is offered.

“The race itself is a tactical challenge, combining the often-blustery conditions of a Buzzards Bay start with a strategic entry into the Gulf Stream, followed by a final push to the beautiful Island of Bermuda,” the press release said.

For a full notice of race and additional information, visit marionbermuda.com.

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The Marion To Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race

Sailors encounter blue water thrills as they sail from Buzzard’s Bay in Marion, Massachusetts to St. David’s Head in Bermuda. The 645 nautical-mile journey features more than 100 yachts taking on rough open ocean for chance at glory.

The Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race maintains its original Corinthian spirit, inviting all yachts and crew to participate for the pure pleasure of sailing, competition and camaraderie.  The  next race will be held in June 2023 , marking the 24th run over 45 years.

About the Race

The Marion to Bermuda race was the brainstorm of two old yachting buddies who, in 1977, invited their sailing friends and family to race to Bermuda using only celestial navigation. Today, the yachts are longer and electronic navigation is allowed, but there is still a special place for those who enjoy the challenge of navigating by the sun, moon and stars. The Marion to Bermuda race is the only ocean race in North America that offers a celestial class.

For the 2015 race, a goal was to increase participation by younger sailors and a Youth Trophy was offered. Yachts carrying at least four sailors between ages 16 and 23 are eligable to qualify for the trophy. Learn more about youth sailing on Marion to Bermuda's website.

The Perfect Time to Sail to Bermuda

With blue skies, lush greenery and ideal temperatures,  June  is a spectacular time to visit Bermuda. You'll find a full range of  accommodations , from luxurious hotels and oceanside resorts to inns, cottages and more.  See requirements for entering Bermuda by private vessel .

Sponsors of the race are the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion, Massachusetts, the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, Paget, Bermuda, and the Blue Water Sailing Club of Boston. For more race information, visit  www.marionbermuda.com .

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Boudicca first across the line in Marion Bermuda Race

Boudicca captured Marion Bermuda Race line honours in record time this morning, finishing off St David’s Lighthouse in just two days, 17 hours, 26 minutes and 27 seconds.

The performance beats the previous fastest for the 705-nautical-mile trek, 68:58:45, set in 2011 by the 76ft Briand sloop Lilla , owned by Simon and Nancy DiPietro.

Boudicca is a King Marine Reichel-Pugh 66 skippered by Richard Moody, based out of Jamestown, Rhode Island. Boudicca sailed in the performance class, a new addition to the race this year with a view to expanding race eligibility to more performance-focused cruising vessels. The new class has four entries.

The impressive performance comes as the majority of the rest of the fleet is haggling with light wind and low boat speed as they have crossed or are crossing the Gulf Stream.

Lyric , in second place, still has approximately 200 miles to go as of this morning.

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Published on July 9th, 2024 | by Editor

Details for Marion Bermuda Race 2025

Published on July 9th, 2024 by Editor -->

Registration for the 2025 Marion Bermuda Race is now open for the race starting June 20 from Marion, MA. As in the past, the 645 nm course is a fully Corinthian event with no professional yacht or crew entries. The event is for the racer-cruiser, with all boat entries meeting the requirements for cruising equipment.

For first-time racers, a co-pilot program will pairs them with an experienced skipper to help guide through preparation and race logistics. Also, a new division for PHRF has been added to accommodate boats capable of racing offshore. Within the division, there will be two classes: an electronically navigated class and a celestially navigated class.

The biennial race itself is a tactical challenge, combining the often-blustery conditions of a Buzzards Bay start with a strategic entry into the Gulf Stream, followed by a final push to Bermuda.

Details: https://marionbermuda.com/

Tags: Marion Bermuda Race

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Changing lives one voyage at a time

2023 Marion Bermuda Race

Tuesday June 6, 2023

Spirit of Bermuda will be competing in the 23rd Marion to Bermuda Race. Hosted in Bermuda by the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, the Marion Bermuda Race is a fully Corinthian event, with no professional yacht or crew entries. The Race is built upon the competitive spirit and good fellowship of Corinthian sailing. It offers the unique opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie that develops from an offshore passage while testing one’s ability to reach the highest levels of teamwork racing a well-founded yacht. The Race believes this teamwork begins with the youth who represent the future of sailing and racing. 

There are opportunities for young sailors to sail the Spirit to Marion, Massachusetts prior to the race start, departing Bermuda on 8 June. They will gain seamanship skills, sea time, navigation skills, and tall ship experience. Contact our Education & Programmes Manager, Lauren Yelle-Simmons at [email protected] for more information. Bursaries are available.

More experienced sailors have the opportunity to crew the Spirit in the Marion Bermuda race starting on 16 June, 2023. Sailors can email [email protected] to book their spots on the Spirit for the Marion Bermuda race. Cost is $3,000 per person and meals are included (does not include travel to Marion, Ma.) All proceeds from the fee will benefit shipyard repairs to the Spirit of Bermuda .

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Hashtag: #MarionToBermudaYachtRace

Spirit Of Bermuda Updates From Marion Race

The Spirit of Bermuda has reported in from the 2023 Marion Bermuda race, with Captain Chris Blake saying “Bermuda here we come.” Captain Blake said, “Yesterday proved to be a treat in terms of marine life. We saw a couple of whales off in the distance, followed by a pod of dolphins who came alongside for a look at us. They quickly got...  Read more of this article

‘Boudicca’ Breaks Marion Bermuda Record

Boudicca took top honours in the Marion Bermuda Race, finishing the 705 mile race from Massachusetts today [June 19] in a record setting time of two days, 17 hours, 26 minutes, 27 seconds. The Marion Bermuda race website said, “In the early morning light on Monday, Richard Moody’s Boudicca crossed the Marion Bermuda Race finish line off of...  Read more of this article

2023 Marion Bermuda Race Yacht Underway

The 2023 Marion Bermuda Race is underway, with over 30 entrants sailing the 645 nautical mile course from Marion, Massachusetts to Bermuda. A spokesperson said, “Overnight, Richard Moody’s ‘Boudicca’ smashed through the halfway mark of the course and as of this morning has just 200 or so miles to the finish. “At current pace,...  Read more of this article

BSF Welcomes Back Captain Chris Blake

Bermuda Sloop Foundation [BSF] is welcoming back former Captain Chris Blake to Captain Spirit of Bermuda in the 2023 Marion Bermuda race next month. A spokesperson said, “Captain Chris Blake, OBE, is a master mariner with over 45 years’ experience in the maritime industry, sailing tall ships such as the Pelican of London and Royal Albatross. Captain...  Read more of this article

Marion Bermuda Race To Start On June 16

The 2023 Marion Bermuda Race gets underway on June 16 as 32 entrants take to the racecourse, sailing the 645 nautical mile course from Marion, Massachusetts to the island of Bermuda. The Scuttlebutt Sailing News website said, “The 2023 Marion Bermuda Race gets underway on June 16 as 32 entrants take to the racecourse, sailing the 645 nautical mile...  Read more of this article

Public Invited To Crew The ‘Spirit Of Bermuda’

The public is being invited to crew the Spirit of Bermuda in the Marion Bermuda Race this June. The poster detailing the opportunity says, “$3,000 per person. Board Spirit on June 15; race starts on June 16.” For more information, email [email protected] or call 441-737-5667. Related Stories Spirit Of Bermuda To Compete In Marion...  Read more of this article

Spirit Of Bermuda To Compete In Marion Race

The Bermuda Sloop Foundation [BSF] announced that Spirit of Bermuda is competing in the 2023 Marion Bermuda race with opportunities for local sailors participate as crew – sailing to Massachusetts and racing back to Bermuda. A spokesperson said, “The 645 mile, bi-annual ocean race starts in Marion, Massachusetts and ends off St. David’s Head....  Read more of this article

Registration Opens For 2023 Marion Sailing Race

Registration is open for next  year’s Marion Bermuda Race, which is scheduled to start on June 16, 2023 and will see sailors travel 645 nautical miles from Massachusetts to Bermuda. The organisers said, “Registration for the 2023 Marion Bermuda Race is now open, with early bird registration available until December of 2022. The bi-annual race...  Read more of this article

Marion Bermuda Race Cancelled Due To Covid

The Marion Bermuda Race Board of Trustees have cancelled the 2021 Marion Bermuda Race due to Covid-19. Marion Bermuda Race Chairman, Board of Trustees Ray Cullum said, “The Marion Bermuda Race Board of Trustees has made the extremely difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Marion Bermuda Race due to the current environment and unpredictable nature...  Read more of this article

Marion Bermuda 2019 Prizes And Party

[Written by Talbot Wilson] The 2019 Marion Bermuda Race is in the books. 39 Founders Division entries and two Classic Division boats lined up for their starts in Buzzards Bay on Friday June 14. One of the classics failed to start, but sailed with the fleet heading south in Buzzards Bay for the finish in Bermuda and the hospitality of the Royal Hamilton...  Read more of this article

Sailing: Tabor Boy ‘Ecstatic’ About Marion Race

[Written by Talbot Wilson] James Geil, Master of Tabor Boy, Tabor Academy’s 92-foot iron schooner, was ecstatic about the outcome of the boat’s first Marion Bermuda Race. Will Tabor Boy come back for Marion Bermuda 2021? “Absolutely!” Captain Geil said. “We will block of this window of time for that… Absolutely, Absolutely.” The next...  Read more of this article

Sailing: Cordelia Racing With Roy & Gail

[Written by Talbot Wilson] What’s it like racing offshore with Roy and Gail Greenwald on Cordelia, the overall winner of the 2019 Marion Bermuda Race? In a champagne cork-popping get-together in the cockpit of the 42 foot Valiant double ender, crewmate Daniel Begg pegged it. “Awe, Man!” Begg quipped, “It’s just a lot of fun. They do a...  Read more of this article

Cordelia Wins Overall, Gosling Founders Trophy

[Written by Talbot Wilson] Roy and Gail Greenwald’s Valiant 42 Cordelia has finished first in fleet on corrected time in the 2019 Marion Bermuda Race. She will win the Goslings Founders Trophy. The Greenwalds sail out of Mairon MA. Cordelia is also the Class D winner. Among other prizes, Cordelia will win the coveted Beverly Yacht Club ‘Polaris...  Read more of this article

Marion Bermuda: Kiwi Spirit Takes Line Honours

[Written by Talbot Wilson] Kiwi Spirit was the line honors leader from start to finish in the 2019 Marion Bermuda Race. The Farr 63 finished off St. David’s Lighthouse at 2:27:59 Tuesday. Francis Seldorff’s Kinship, a Baltic 52, was second across the line at 5:01:02. Friends and families and volunteers have all commented on how straightforward...  Read more of this article

Marion Bermuda: Kiwi Spirit Pushes For The Line

[Written by Talbot Wilson] At 1630 ADT Monday afternoon Kiwi Spirit, the Line Honors leader of the Marion Bermuda fleet, was 68 nautical miles from the finish line off St. David’s Lighthouse, Bermuda. According to ‘Predict Wind’ and YB tracking, Kiwi Spirit was sailing at 7+ kts in a 4.5 kt west-southwest breeze. They are expected to finish in...  Read more of this article

MachBuster Pushes Kiwi Spirit For Line Honors

[Written by Talbot Wilson] At 0730 ADT Monday morning Kiwi Spirit, the Line Honors leader of the Marion Bermuda fleet, was 125 nautical miles out from the finish. That’s a little more than 143 statute [land] miles. Finishers are not expected for at least another 20 hours. Estimated time of arrival off St David’s Lighthouse is 0 ‘dark’ 0300 or...  Read more of this article

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“I’m Doing the Marion Bermuda Race”

Good luck to the 50 boats starting friday, june 9 th in the marion bermuda race. track their progress and view updates from the crews at marionbermuda.com ..

By Ernie Messer

One says, “I’m doing the Marion Bermuda Race in June.”

Second sailor says, “Where does that go?”

First sailor: “It starts up in Marion, Mass, goes down Buzzards Bay, then offshore to Bermuda.”

Second sailor: “Ah, no thanks, I’ve heard about that Buzzards Bay!”

Some years it’s almost true!

Since its inception in 1977, the Marion Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race (MBCYR) has been billed as “an ocean race for cruising yachts.” While that philosophy still prevails in the event’s current “mission” saying “competitive spirit and good fellowship of Corinthian sailing,” those who have done the race can tell you it is often very competitive, and battles for class trophies are hard-fought!

The writer will be navigating Paul Kanev’s beautiful Hinckley Sou’wester 51 Momentum again this year .   © Spectrum Photo/Fran Grenon

That said, the friendly atmosphere among competitors in Marion, before the race, is enhanced by the fleet being on moorings in front of the sponsoring Beverly Yacht Club. Likewise, the post-race welcome at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC) is very memorable, especially for those who haven’t experienced the incredible friendliness and warm generosity of Bermudians! The RHADC Bar was just awarded fourth place worldwide in Wight Vodka’s Favourite Yachting Bar Competition…the only disagreement is that maybe it should have been first!

The race requirements are quite easy to meet and are spelled out in the Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, and Safety Requirements, which can be found at marionbermuda.com. The only biggies are insurance, which ranges greatly, and a life raft, which, if bought new, can remain certified for three years, making it possible to qualify for two Marions and a Newport Bermuda Race (in even years). Everything else in the requirements are things you would want on any modern well found cruiser.

Buzzards Bay current should be studied carefully. © Ernie Messer

Leaving the moorings, the “check-in” boat is about three miles away and the starting line another mile, so it pays to get an early start if you want to take a last shoreside shower or trash run. Don’t get trapped waiting for a launch when those on the boat are itching to leave! The first warning signal is at noon, so be on time.

Down the Bay

The starting line is usually generous in size, but like all starts this one can be a “tension convention.” Because of the “cruising” nature of the race, some competitors may have a less than solid knowledge of the nuances of the Racing Rules of Sailing! A starboard tack start usually leaves you with a decision of when to tack back to the favored port. On a “good” year with the wind due west or further north you can fetch the course on one tack; otherwise you’ll probably be tacking down the Bay. Be sure to pay close attention to your charts as there are many rocks to deal with quite far from shore, especially the north. Currents in the Bay are also a challenge, as they change directions radically on the north shore as they fill or drain the harbors and on the south shore as they pass through the “Holes.” Otherwise it’s pretty straightforward – there are only two “Marks of the course” in the United States; Penikese Island (to port) and the “Sow and Pigs” (S&P) Bell (also to port). West of Cuttyhunk Island, Sow and Pigs is about 19.5 NM from the start, so you’ll usually be out of the Bay by 5 or 6 o’clock.

Sow and Pigs to the Gulf Stream

The second section of the race, Sow and Pigs Bell to the Gulf Stream, is usually welcome after beating out of the Bay, although depending on how much west is in the prevailing southwesterly, this section can be pretty close-hauled as well. Starboard tack will usually be the desired course here and the temptation is to “crack off,” but beware! The rhumbline (RL) to Bermuda is about 162° M, but a course made good, with leeway and currents, of only about 157° M will put you on the shores of “No Mans Land,” a small island about 10 miles down the road! So resist the inclination to “crack off” or you’ll find yourself having to tack in the vicinity of No Man’s Land…and by the way, it’ll be dark by then. If you do tack, you’ll be on port with the rest of the fleet coming at you on Starboard…not fun!

Pay very special attention when crossing shipping lanes! © Ernie Messer

Sometime the next day, about 120 miles from S&P, you’ll be close to the 1,000-fathom curve. Now you’re really offshore; bigger waves, and maybe some warm eddies on the sea water thermometer, patches of yellow Sargasso weed, and different birds. Hopefully you’ve been able to keep your desired course and are progressing to your Point Alpha. Point Alpha is the virtual point at which the captain and navigator have decided to enter the Gulf Stream (GS). This strategy is usually the first to fall and maybe the most important to the success of your race!

If you don’t enter the GS where you want, you may be forced to enter it where you really don’t want to be. If you get into a northbound meander or a strong easterly component, your troubles will start to multiply quickly. So let’s accept that everyone steered as directed, the navigator watched the COG carefully and no one had to take large evasive maneuvers to steer around a fishing boat that, as always, seemed to be doing his damnedest to stay right in front of you. You hit your Point Alpha right on the money, the sea water temperature pops up from the 60s and 70s to about 86 degrees, the navigator is taking all the credit and the off watch starts straggling up from below, a bit green, and complaining about “washing machines.” Welcome to the Gulf Stream!

In the Stream

An Expedition screen shot of an ‘easy’ day for the navigator © Ernie Messer

Section three, the Gulf Stream; you’ve hit it perfectly, the speedo pops up two or more knots, and although the owner won’t admit it, you can tell by the grin plastered on his face that he’s never seen the old girl go this fast! There’s so much written and on the web about the GS and a host of URL’s for more GS info on the race website, that your whole crew are probably experts…if only they found sail trim so fascinating! The GS will be the topic of the day and if there’s a bit more spray on deck, at least it’s warm! The captain and navigator should decide what compass course will keep you in the warmer and faster moving water for the longest time. Once again, this is a very important part of the race.

The GS, depending on the angle it crosses the RL and the actual width will last for as little as half a day to as much as 30 hours. You may have big winds or light air, but it’s always warm and usually confused and lumpy. Because variations in temperature are a large component of weather, many times the GS will seem to have its own weather compared to the general area. This may generate large clouds seen for miles or quick thunderstorms that seem to pop up unannounced. Hang in and make this section a success and likely your race will also be a success.

Happy Valley

Soon the wind may steady a bit, the seas get more uniform and the seawater temperature might drop a few degrees. Because the seas are smoother, you will notice the color is a deep and very beautiful shade of blue. Lots less spray than the GS and no falling off of waves; moods improve! I’m not sure where the name came from, but many call this section “Happy Valley.” The sailing in this section from the GS to Bermuda is often so pleasant that the biggest challenge while racing is keeping everyone motivated and out of “cruising mode.” Shorts and T-shirts are the rule, day and night, no spray means hatches are left open, and people are able to sleep soundly while off watch. Life is good!

Keep your watches involved with making the boat go fast and start thinking about your approach to Bermuda. There is a section in the Sailing Instructions called “The Finish” and another called “Marks of The Course” – have paper copies of these for each of your crew. Have each crewmember become familiar with the procedures and the marks as you approach the finish. It might be a little embarrassing to the Captain/Navigator if a crew pipes up with, “Aren’t we supposed to radio in at Kitchen Shoals?” or “Don’t we have to go outside that quick flash (3) over there?” but it might save the day! Once you see Bermuda, the time will go very fast. There will be lots to do including navigation, the finish radio procedure, and getting ready to tack. If you haven’t tacked for awhile, checking all the rigging on the leeward side; making sure your class flags are showing; and all the other details.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse one of the first lights seen when approaching from sea. © Ernie Messer

These are the basic four sections of the Marion Bermuda Race, and if you focus on each and plan accordingly it will contribute to a successful and safe passage. Here are a few other things that will contribute greatly to your success.

Learn about weather.

As many in the last Newport Bermuda Race found, having the confidence to evaluate weather (WX) forecasts using NWS, NOAA, and other data is a great asset. Being able to evaluate the mountains of WX data, publicaly and privately available, is essential not only toward race success but in making the decision to even start or not.

The first place to begin is of course the Race website. Look at marionbermuda.com/resources in general, and then drill down to marionbermuda.com/gulf-stream-weather , where you’ll find many links which will be helpful.

Find a book to your liking explaining weather and weather maps. One that I highly recommend is Modern Weather for Sailors by John Jourdane. It was recently published and is available from Amazon.com. It’s not a huge textbook but was written for Mr. Jourdane’s Weather for Sailors classes at Orange Coast College. It has lots of color illustrations and is easily understandable by, well…sailors.

Know your electronics.

If you are addicted to electronics, as many of us are, start early and study your owner’s manuals for the features that you may not use locally, but may come in handy offshore. Included in this list are being not only “familiar” but “comfortable” using DSC, AIS, MFDs, SSBs; and even the lowly VHF, which is now stuffed with menus and features galore.

If you’re using plotting software like Expedition ( expeditionmarine.com ), make sure you have a copy at home so you can study various scenarios and be comfortable with downloading the WX and GS info which is now pretty much “built in.” For a long time Expedition was a tool used mostly by hardcore racers, but now many cruisers and cruiser/racers are embracing the advantages. If you have questions, Expedition has a terrific forum at expedition.boardhost.com. One nice thing I like about Expedition is the new feature under the “Weather” tab called “My Image.” With a few clicks you can overlay a present or future surface analysis (weather map) with your existing “Route,” wind gribs, and “Optimized Route.” This allows you to get a better feel for both your gribs as they are changing in time, and the surface analysis and its forecast of things to come.

PassageWeather allows you to zoom in and makes it easier to see the challenges of the Gulf Stream. Photo by Ernie Messer with permission PassageWeather.com

Another modern free graphic WX site is ventusky.com , which will blow you away with the interactive features available. With both free and subscription components, the French site squid-sailing.com/en/ has a great program for your laptop, and offers a glimpse of the EU WX models for comparison. On the subscription side, predictwind.com is very popular with sailors. Most of these WX sites also have mobile apps available for your smartphones, but be aware that as soon as you are out of cell phone range you will no longer be able to receive updates from them. The only exception is if you have satphone with built in WiFi or Bluetooth, but that will be very expensive to use.

If you are overwhelmed by all you have to do, and feel you need help with your WX and GS planning, for a fee, you will find several providers on the Race website at marionbermuda.com/gulf-stream-weather under “Weather Resources.” Not listed but another source for those seeking training is offered by North U and can be found at northu.com under “Weather Webinar On-Demand.”

So far, you may have noticed I haven’t mentioned “celestial.” In the early days the Marion was known as the “celestial” race. In 1979, a radio direction finder was about the only method besides celestial navigation allowed. They had a provision that by taking a whopping 8% penalty on the handicap rating, “any and all electronic aids designed to locate the yachts position may be used once each four-hour watch. Continuous monitoring is not allowed.” I guess a few boats had old LORAN As and a few had the “new” LORAN Cs. Those devices were big, heavy, and typically had an oscilloscope where wave patterns were lined up by tweaking some dials…YIKES! Talk about job security for navigators!

Now, the “advantage” for using celestial is “a favorable 3% adjustment to their ORR rating.” Not quite as advantageous as in years past, but still substantial when you figure a fairly quick 100-hour race would be allowed a 3-hour savings. The bottom line is this: If you have to ask if you’re skilled enough to do something successfully, the answer is probably “no.” If you are a skilled celestial navigator, fully confident in those skills, and fully confident that you can handle situations like solid cloud cover, rough water, and mal-de-mar, then you will know the answer to the question. If not, bring your sextant, practice on the trip home, and next time sign up for the celestial division.

Second Sailor: “See you in Marion, I’m in!”

Everywhere you look the scenery is beautiful in Bermuda . © Ernie Messer

Ernie Messer has been sailing since the seventies. He is a member of the Cruising Club of America and Off Soundings Club. He and his wife have sailed New England for many years and have also raced to Bermuda frequently, including three times double-handed! They sailed for 15 years on their Tartan 41 and now sail on a restored Peterson One-Ton, Valour , out of Westbrook, CT. Last summer was spent doing the Newport Bermuda Race and return on Cecilie Viking taking second in class, then a Maine cruise on their Peterson 37. Ernie is part of a local team competing in the 2017 Marion Bermuda Race on Momentum , a Hinckley 51 that appeared on the cover of the March 2016 issue of WindCheck .

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• Gentian in Vineyard Haven harbor.

Harry Ricciardi

Racing from newport to bermuda.

• Thursday, August 15, 2024 - 3:55pm

During the great age of yachting, in the early part of the 20th century, the premier ocean race, where boats and their crews were tested on a stage that was covered on front pages of newspapers all over the country, was the Newport to Bermuda Race.

Ben Sperry runs Sperry Sails, which has its main loft in Marion. He and his family sail and race a classic sailboat called Gentian. They often travel on the boat to Vineyard Haven where Ben has an annex of the Sperry Sails loft, above the boatyard on Beach Road.

In the summer, with three teenage kids, Ben and his wife Michelle take Gentian up and down New England where they sail in classic boat races.  At the beginning of this summer, Ben took Gentian to Bermuda in the Newport to Bermuda Race. Michelle, a devoted sailor and experienced ocean racer, agreed to stay home with their two daughters, but their oldest son Noah, was offered the chance to come along.

Noah is 16. He races at the New Bedford Yacht Club and is doing some work at the sail loft this summer.

“I didn’t know if I wanted to do it at first, but then I thought about it,” he said.

After three hard days of windward sailing, Ben and Noah, along with six crew members, finished in Bermuda, feeling great. One hundred and sixty-two boats started the race in Newport; one hundred and forty-seven finished in Bermuda. Other than two boats that were abandoned by their crews because they were taking on water, the rest turned around. One boat snapped its mast and motored back to Newport without it before they were very far away.

“It was pretty strong conditions. It was really consistent,” Ben said.

“Our navigator had a dry bunk. That was it,” Noah said.

“Water just piddled in around the companionway the whole time,” Ben said, describing how hard it had been to keep anything dry.

“Food was great for two days,” Noah said with a grin.

Meals that had been prepared in advance for the crew were spoiled by water damage.

“We lost chicken parm and shepherds pie,” Noah said.

Two weeks later he was still mournful about it.

“Halfway through you’re like, I just want to get off this boat and get dry,” Noah said. “I don’t think I want to do it again, for a little bit, but I definitely want to do it again someday.”

“When we sail as a family, the fastest we’ve ever seen the boat go is 12 knots,” Michelle said.

She followed the race closely from the broadcast of Gentian’s satellite transmitter.

“Watching the boat, on our tracker, we were consistently seeing speeds of 15 knots.”

Passing through the Gulf Stream, a day to the south of Noman’s, Gentian and her crew found themselves in an eddy traveling their direction.

“We had 10 knots of boat speed and 5 knots of current,” Ben said.

“There were squalls,” Noah added.

The temperature of the moving bands of tropical water in the cold North Atlantic creates tumultuous weather.

“Yeah, we were steering around thunderstorms,” Ben said. “Pretty amazing.”

Michelle said: “We’ve been joking because if Noah’s sisters want to do the race someday they have to do it on a different boat because Gentian won; she can’t do it again.”

Gentian, a New York 32, from a fleet of 20, built in the winter and spring of 1936 for the New York Yacht club, was the most modern racing boat of its time. This summer she finished third overall at the Newport Bermuda Race and first in her class.

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