The Corinthian race to Bermuda >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News - Scuttlebutt Sailing News

With the recent completion of the 52nd running of the Newport Bermuda Race, the oldest of the offshore 600-nautical mile races once again drew a broad range of boat types – grand prix to classic cruiser. But there is no mistaking that this biannual contest attracts the serious competitor.

Alternatively, the Marion Bermuda Race is held in odd years and is a fully Corinthian event, with no professional yacht or crew entries. Limited to 100 entries, the event is only for the racer-cruiser, with all boat entries meeting the requirements for cruising equipment outlined in the Notice of Race.

“Our race continues to cater for multihulls, families, and our unique identifier of rewarding yachts sailing under celestial navigation,” says Neil Redburn, Executive Director of the Marion Bermuda Race. “Since its inception in 1977, our core values reflect that all yachts and crew are participating for the joy and pleasure of sailing, competition, and the camaraderie that accompanies such an offshore event.”

With the start for the 2023 event on June 16, the race presents a tactical challenge, combining the often-blustery conditions of a Buzzards Bay in the beginning with a strategic entry into the Gulf Stream, followed by a final push to the beautiful Island of Bermuda. The latest addition will have an adjusted scoring matrix and additional race categories.

After the 2021 edition was cancelled due to the pandemic, next year offers another chance at the 23rd running of the 645nm race between Buzzards Bay off Marion, Massachusetts to the finish off St. David’s Head, Bermuda.