New additions

Dan Rutstein of The Royal Gazette looks at changes in next years Marion-Bermuda race

Marion-Bermuda Race organisers are hoping to attract a fleet of 100 for next June’s 645-mile ocean crossing, with new divisions and new prizes on offer.

The 15th edition of the cruising yacht race will leave from Buzzards Bay, off Marion, Massachusetts, in eight months’ time with multihull and double-handed yachts competing for the first time.A line honours prize for the first all-female crew will also be on offer.

Race organisers were in Bermuda over the weekend for a series of meetings at Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club and were excited about the new divisions and what it will do for the ever-expanding fleet taking part.

“I think these new rules will allow the race to keep up with the changes in cruising yachts,” said executive director of the race Graham Quinn. “Although it is only early days and boats cannot yet register, we would be looking at a fleet of 100-plus next year.
We have added two new categories for 2005 and I expect a good showing when boats begin to register.”

Changes brought in for the 2003 race - in which Bermudian Robert Mulderig’s Starr Trail was first across the line at St. David’s Head - saw the inclusion of vessels of up to 80ft in length for the first time and this will remain the case with race organisers happy with the composition of the fleet.

“Everyone was happy to see the bigger boats involved last time,” continued Quinn. “So, once again, they will be allowed to compete and we will be pleased to see the bigger boats in the competition once more. This is very much a family oriented race and the attraction for many is that it is a purely amateur affair so sailors know they can take
part in a very competitive event.”

The usual pre-race festivities at the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion will take place as will the traditional friends and family race once the boats pull in to Bermuda on the Monday and Tuesday following a Friday start.