The Newport Bermuda Race, also known as the Bermuda Race, is one of the most famous and historic ocean yacht races in the world. Here are some key details about the race:
1. **History**:
- The race was first held in 1906, making it one of the oldest regularly scheduled ocean races. It was founded by Thomas Fleming Day, who sought to promote offshore racing.
2. **Course**:
- The race starts in Newport, Rhode Island, and ends in St. David's Lighthouse, Bermuda. The course covers approximately 635 nautical miles across the open Atlantic Ocean.
3. **Frequency**:
- The race is biennial, taking place every even-numbered year, typically starting in mid-June.
4. **Participants**:
- The race attracts a diverse fleet of yachts, ranging from amateur sailors to professional racing teams. The boats vary widely in size and type, from smaller cruising yachts to cutting-edge racing machines.
5. **Divisions and Classes**:
- The fleet is divided into several divisions and classes based on the size, type, and design of the boats. These include the St. David's Lighthouse Division (the largest division), the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Division, the Finisterre Division for cruising yachts, and others.
6. **Challenges**:
- The Newport Bermuda Race is known for its challenging conditions. Sailors must navigate through variable weather, strong currents, and the potentially treacherous Gulf Stream, which can present difficult and rapidly changing conditions.
7. **Safety**:
- Safety is a major focus, and participants are required to meet stringent safety standards. This includes having the proper safety equipment, completing safety training, and undergoing pre-race inspections.
8. **Significance**:
- The race is not only a test of sailing skill and seamanship but also a major social event in the sailing community. It has a rich tradition and a storied history, with many legendary sailors having competed over the years.
9. **Impact**:
- The Newport Bermuda Race has had a significant influence on the development of offshore racing. It has inspired other races and has been a proving ground for yacht design and technology advancements.
Overall, the Newport Bermuda Race is a prestigious and iconic event in the sailing world, celebrated for its rich history, challenging conditions, and the camaraderie it fosters among participants.
29 июн 2024
