Friday, 18 June 2010
Newport to Bermuda Race
In about an hour's time 185 yachts leave Newport in Rhode Island to sail the 635 nautical miles to Bermuda in one of the world's most pre-eminent sailing races.
The first Newport to Bermuda race took place in 1904, and is therefore the oldest ocean race for amateur sailors. After leaving the harbour at Newport today the competitors then spend 6 days out at sea in the very cold water of the Atlantic. They cross the very unpredictable Gulf Stream, where the weather and the current presents a real challenge and many boats have in the past come a cropper. Then for 300 smooth miles the water warms as the yachts race for the reefs and the finish line of Bermuda.
The race finishes at St David's Head at the very eastern tip of the island and I have been fortunate enough to get invited out to see the finish on Thursday. ¶ 12:20
In about an hour's time 185 yachts leave Newport in Rhode Island to sail the 635 nautical miles to Bermuda in one of the world's most pre-eminent sailing races.The first Newport to Bermuda race took place in 1904, and is therefore the oldest ocean race for amateur sailors. After leaving the harbour at Newport today the competitors then spend 6 days out at sea in the very cold water of the Atlantic. They cross the very unpredictable Gulf Stream, where the weather and the current presents a real challenge and many boats have in the past come a cropper. Then for 300 smooth miles the water warms as the yachts race for the reefs and the finish line of Bermuda.
The race finishes at St David's Head at the very eastern tip of the island and I have been fortunate enough to get invited out to see the finish on Thursday. ¶ 12:20
