Improved Weather for Bermuda Race

Newport, RI (June 17, 2016) – Last minute preparations were underway early for the Newport Bermuda Race fleet getting ready for the first warning of the 50th Thrash to the Onion Patch at 2:50PM EDT this afternoon.

The start is later than previous races because the timing of the tide. There are 17 Classes this year. If all goes well, the first start, the 4-boat Spirit of Tradition Division, will start at 3:00PM. Subsequent starts are planned at 10 minute intervals as posted on the event website Starting Order.

Race organizers and competitors have been concerned about rough weather in and south of the Gulf Stream on the course to Bermuda. Race Chairman AJ Evans, Principal Race Officer John Osmond, CCA Commodore Jim Binch and RBYC Commodore Leatrice Oatley met Friday morning to review the latest forecasts. Evans confirmed that the race will start on time. Morning forecasts suggest that the winds predicted earlier in the week should moderate.

Earlier Thursday and on Friday morning a few boats had decided to withdraw based on long range predictions of high winds up to 45kts and up to 18 foot seas in the Gulf Stream. Winds should be from northeast to east stacking up the waves against the north and east-bound current.

The predictions issued late in the morning of the start were more moderate…a beat into the sea breeze at the start, then very light winds becoming northeast to east 10-20 kts for the approach to the top of the stream. The stream will be rough with 20 to 30kts. In the ‘Happy Valley’ approach to Bermuda, the winds are predicted to shift to the south or southwest. There will be something for everyone in this 110th year of racing to Bermuda.

There are several ways to watch the start. On the water spectator boats are allowed on the sides of the starting area and outside of the restricted areas for boats that are starting or have started and outside of the Press Alley near the committee boat end of the line. Spectator boats must keep clear of the restricted areas for boats in their starting sequence and keep out of the press alley at all times.

Because the race start is so close to land, many spectators gather at shore side public areas such as Brenton Point and Beaver Tail (near Jamestown). Nearest to the start is the famous Castle Hill Inn with its sloping waterfront lawn.

Race website – Livestream – Tracker – Facebook

Background: The 635-mile Newport Bermuda Race, starting on June 17, is the 50th edition and also marks the 90th anniversary of the partnership of the organizers, the Cruising Club of America and Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

Source: Talbot Wilson & Associates