Newport Bermuda Race includes Super Yacht Division

In response to expressions of interest from owners and captains of yachts over 90-feet on deck, the Newport Bermuda Race has created a Super Yacht Division for the 2016 race.

The Super Yacht Division will sail under some rules that are different from the rest of the fleet, and on a different rhumb line. For example, the Super Yacht Division will have:

• a staggered start at a different time, for safety;
• a course that leaves Block Island and Bermuda to port (rather than starboard); and
• some variations in the Safety Requirements where they conflict with the yacht’s classification society’s or flag state’s regulations.

In keeping with the race’s commitment to science based handicapping, the Super Yacht Division will be scored using the International Super Yacht Rule, which uses the same VPP as ORR. To avoid confusion, the Super Yacht Division’s exceptions are listed in the Notice of Race’s Addendum A.

For more information or to express interest, owners or captains of super yachts with a minimum length on deck of 90-feet should contact John Winder at open@bermudarace.com.