76 for Marion-Bermuda race

Talbot Wilson updates us on progress with June's event

The 2005 Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race now has 76 applications to date with 72 accepted, three are in process of inspection and compliance, and one is just starting in the pipeline. Graham Quinn, Executive Director for the biennial race, indicated that he thinks a few late entries may bring the total to eighty entries.

“The only deadline we have has already passed, and it was a price deadline.”  Quinn noted. “Any entries from now on have a $150 late fee added to the entry but we will accept entries up until the time in which we can no longer process them in time. “

For Monohulls, the race starts on Buzzard’s Bay on June 17th. Multihulls which are expected to be up to a day faster will start June 18th. Boats in the race will be tracked - every boat competing will be equipped with a transponder to track location and progress during the 645-mile race as well as the return home. The GPS transponder will be provided to each boat. iBoat Track, the program created by Horizon Marine, is an internet based tracking program that can be accessed through any browser so family and friends can watch your progress throughout the race, your position and speed, where you stand within the fleet and your position in your class.

Horizon Marine will be handling all the details, supplying the hardware. Globalstar is providing the satellite time to bring this feature to the race.

Sailing in this race is a life experience

The 15th biennial Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht is open to amateur cruising yachts, families and friends. Participants will have the opportunity to compete in an open ocean passage with a group of friendly competitors. Sailing in this race is a life experience that can bridge the gap between generations, solidify friendships and foster teamwork, all while promoting seamanship and the love of sailing.

While the spirit of competition flows as freely in the veins of Marion-Bermuda racers as it does in sailboat racers everywhere, Marion Bermuda is a cruising yacht race. It is as much about companionship and the joy of coaxing the best performance possible out of a sailboat as it is about being first to cover the 645 nautical miles to St David’s Head. Characteristically, a Friends and Family day race is scheduled for Bermuda a week after the start; prizes in that race go to, among others, the yacht with the largest crew and the one with the best attitude.

This prestigious race began in 1977 with its roots deep in the Corinthian spirit. The race is hosted by the Beverly Yacht Club, the Blue Water Sailing Club and, the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club.

The race is open to single hulled sailing vessels with a minimum hull length, exclusive of sprits, of 32ft, and a maximum of 80ft. This year, for the first time, the race will be open to two new categories, Multihulls and Double Handed yachts. Also for the first time, a trophy will be awarded for the best finish of a yacht with an all-female crew.

Although Marion-Bermuda is a race for amateur sailors rather than pros, safety is a prime consideration and Marion-Bermuda’s safety regulations are as stringent as any other race of its type.

All yachts will be required to demonstrate to the Selection Committee to be of a design that is seaworthy and appropriate for sailing well offshore. This is a Category 1 Race as defined by the ISAF (ISAF regulations). All yachts must be inspected and meet these offshore safety requirements.

The Marion to Bermuda Race includes both a Celestial and an Electronic division with equal distribution of prizes to both groups, with the exception of the Navigator Trophy, which is awarded to the Celestial winner. The fleet will be scored under the Americap II Rating System.

Pre-race festivities will include cocktails and dinner served on the grounds of the Beverly Yacht Club in Marion, Massachusetts, one of the oldest yacht clubs in the United States. Participants will enjoy the spectacular view of Sippican Harbor and the camaraderie of club members, fellow crewmates and contestants.

The post-race activities are hosted by, and held at, the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club in Bermuda. Please plan on inviting family and friends who are not part of the race to fly to Bermuda to join in the fun and festivities.