Focus returns to Ida Lewis Distance Race

The 2022 Ida Lewis Distance Race is ready try again on August 18-20 after cranky weather last year cancelled the race based in Newport, RI. When facing a weather forecast with very light winds, along with concern about the track for Tropical Storm Henri, discretion became the better part of valor.

For 2022, the event will return to its tradition of offering a single-item menu of overnight offshore racing, thus discontinuing the IN BAY Race that was added in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“This event is known first and foremost for its offshore element: a beautiful and manageable distance race that is neither too long nor too short,” said Race Chair Anselm Richards. “It has become a popular late-summer racing tradition for an increasingly diverse fleet.”

The Ida Lewis Distance Race begins off Fort Adams and ends just inside Newport Harbor where host Ida Lewis Yacht Club volunteers sight the finish line from their clubhouse on Lime Rock before greeting each team on the water with a congratulatory bottle of Prosecco.

Unique to the Ida Lewis Distance Race, the Race Committee considers weather forecasts before the start to decide from among four courses that range from 112 to 169 nautical miles. The goal is to get all teams back to the dock within 18-24 hours. The courses – incorporating some of the most iconic cruising grounds in New England – are named The Montauk, The Block Island, The Point Judith, and The Buzzards Bay Tower.

Classes are for boats 28 feet or longer and include ORC, PHRF, Double-Handed, and Mixed Gender Two-Person. The race also Includes Youth and Collegiate Challenge categories.

Details: http://www.ilyc.org/distancerace