Record numbers expected

For anniversary Newport Bermuda Race

Applications for entry in the special anniversary 2006 Newport Bermuda Race have come in at a record pace since the online registration went live some two weeks ago. As of Monday morning March 7, applications stood at 194. Some regular competitors and 32 boats with berths reserved or waitlisted at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club still have not registered. When they do, organizers think the total will be more than 220 entries.

The race entry record is 182 boats set in 1982 and tied in 2002. There is no limit on the number of entries that the organizers will accept. If you have a yacht and crew that are qualified for the race, you are invited to apply for entry in this historical centennial Bermuda Race.

The list of boats that have submitted their application for entry as of 0745 Monday March 7th is located at http://www.bermudarace.com/2006/entrylist.php .

Online application for entry continues through April 1st. Yachts considered for entry will have until May 15th to submit their full entry documentation. The direct url to applications is http://www.bermudarace.com/entryland/index.php .

Racing starts June 16th as an international fleet of racing and cruising yachts sets off again to Bermuda on the centennial thrash to the Onion Patch. The fleet will be crossing the finish line off St. David’s Lighthouse as they have since 1906, concluding the 635-mile crossing from Newport, Rhode Island to Bermuda. The Cruising Club of America and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club have co-organized the biennial race since 1926 and it has been raced from Newport since 1936.

For further racing information, contact Race Headquarters: 580 Thames Street, Suite 418, Newport RI 02840 Phone (978) 526-7829 FAX (978) 526-9610. Email: Bill Barton chairman@bermudarace.com