Marion-Bermuda Yacht Race

The Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race is a biennial yacht race held in odd-numbered years, from Marion, Massachusetts to the island of Bermuda, a distance of 645 nautical miles (1,195 km).

The concept for the race began in 1975, by Mr. W. David Kingery. He was a member of the Beverly Yacht Club, (Marion, MA), on the Board of Governors of the Blue Water Sailing Club, and interested in doing a single-handed race from England to Newport, Rhode Island. The original concept was an organized race to Bermuda for cruising yachts and family sailors.

Mr. Kingery collaborated also with the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, which joined the Beverly Yacht Club and the Blue Water Sailing Club, as the sponsoring clubs of the race event. The first Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race took place in 1977.

The unique value of the race really lies in its mission to maintain its roots in blue water cruising while staying abreast of the changes in the sport.

In 1977 it was a race using only Celestial Navigation. The race added electronic navigation in 1997. The average size of a cruising boat in 1977 was 38 feet (12 m). In the 2007 race, the average boat was 47 feet (14 m) with a number of boats over 70 feet (21 m). Today’s boats are often equipped with modern technology that makes the handling of sails and rigging simpler and offshore navigation more precise, but the challenge of this ocean passage, the camaraderie of the crew, and the personal reward of a good finish in this competitive event remain unchanged.

The Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race now has in place a “Race Mentor Program” for skippers who have never done the Marion Bermuda Race before. Additionally, participants prepare for the race by attending the Safety at Sea Seminar, generally held in March, a few months prior to the start of race (June, odd numbered years).

External links

Official website