Changes to 2018 Newport Bermuda Race

The 51st running of the biennial Newport Bermuda Race will see new safety requirements as well as race division changes.

“The 2018 race is fully embracing boat AIS transmissions on at all times,” notes Race Chairman Jonathan Brewin, “plus all crew members are required to have personal AIS devices.”

Highlights of the changes:
• Race participation will be limited to 220 boats with a formal wait list established for those who miss the cutoff.
• The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Division now allows movable ballast, including canting keels.
• The “Cruiser” division has been renamed the “Finisterre Division” to recognize the extraordinary competition taking place there and to honor Carleton Mitchell’s legendary Finisterre.
• The Double-handed division now allows movable ballast, including canting keels.
• Minimum length for monohulls has been changed to LOA of 32.5 feet (LOA as defined by the ORR rating rule)
• For the first time ever Multihull’s will be welcomed to compete in the newly formed Multihull Division

More detailed information on these changes can be found in the FAQ section of the race website: http://bermudarace.com/entry/faq

Official Notices for the 2018 race are posted here: http://bermudarace.com/entry/official-notice-board

All entrants for the 635 nm Newport Bermuda Race will start June 15, 2018.