On June 19th, 2026 the winds were blowing in the upper teens out of the south and the boats and crews were ready for a fast ride out of Narragansett Bay and into the Atlantic at the start of the 53rd Newport to Bermuda Race.
A rite of passage for many a crew member, the highly anticipated race pits friends and family against each other in a duel in the Atlantic for the 650 mile race to Bermuda.
The boats come from all over some for the first time racing this race and for others it’s a tradition and they enter to do the race as many years as is possible.
For weeks ahead of the race Newport RI was a buzz with crews getting boats of all sizes and shapes and crews of varying levels of experience prepping their boats and steeling their nerves to take on a race that over the years has grown in popularity and coverage in the sailing community.
There have been some changes made in the start of the Newport Bermuda Race, the most obvious being that the start line is now in front of Fort Adams and not more toward the entrance of Narragansett Bay. In my opinion and obviously the opinion of many others the change is a great one. It makes the start of the race much more spectator friendly. There were crowds lining the Fort Adams shoreline. Also, there has been the addition of activities and booths to entertain the spectators as they watched and waited for each class start. In the past you had to find a spot near Castle Hill or at the entrance to the bay. It left many not so nimble unable to find just the right spot to watch their friends and family enjoy the excitement such a memorable race creates. Now there is commentary and the excitement is palpable as the crowd cheers each boat as they cross the start line. This is the best change I have seen in all the years I have been watching the start of this wonderful event.
It makes good sense to use the Fort Adams start format with Newport having such an enthusiastic sailing community thousands took advantage of the weather and the forethought of the race planners to continue with having the start at Fort Adams to cheer the boats at the start line. There is now ample parking, activities and space to allow spectators to make an enjoyable day of the start.
Then as it begins and the crews leave the cheering crowds behind the real racing started. Some will have a relatively uneventful trip and arrive in Bermuda swiftly if they catch the right combination of winds and currents. Others will fight the wind, waves and what mother nature thows at them the entire trip. No matter what the conditions for each boat and crew it will be an unforgettable few days to the finish.
They will all be happy to make land as they reach Bermuda and have a good shower and a cold Dark n Stormy and begin telling the tales of their adventure that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
A spokesperson for the race stated this about the internationally known Newport Bermuda Race “For 120 years, the Bermuda Race has been a premier offshore sailing regatta known for its challenging conditions and infamous Gulf Stream crossing. This edition of the race marked a century of partnership between the Cruising Club of America [CCA] and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club [RBYC] to organize this iconic event—one of the longest-running partnerships in international offshore racing.” There are not many races that can claim that type of endurance and lasting relationships in any sport.
The race was once again a success with out of a fleet of just under 150 boats, only six retiring early. Everyone is now back on land safe and sound.
“As in past editions of the race, boats in the fleet were divided into divisions, each governed by specific rules regarding participants and equipment. These divisions have been further subdivided into classes based on handicap ratings. In 2026 there were five divisions: St. David’s Lighthouse Division [eight classes], Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Division [two classes], Finisterre Division [three classes], Double-Handed Division [two classes], and Spirit of Tradition Division [1 class]. In addition to overall division winners, each class within a division has its own winner and prize.
For more information about the Newport Bermuda Race and this years’ winners in all classes and divisions see Newport Bermuda Race 2026
Article by Donna Erichsen
Photos by George Bekris
