The Newport Bermuda Race
By Sheila McCurdy
The Newport Bermuda Race is a 635-mile
ocean race, most of it out of sight of land, usually lasting
three to six days. It crosses a stretch of the Atlantic
Ocean known for challenging weather, especially in the Gulf
Stream, where there are strong currents.
Every two years in mid-June, over 180
boats start from the historic seaport of Newport, Rhode
Island. The fleet has five divisions to allow seaworthy
boats of many sizes and types to be raced fairly and
aggressively for an array of trophies awarded in Bermuda at
an elegant ceremony at Government House, the residence of
the governor of this tropical island.