March 21, 2014 - With less than two weeks to go before Applications for Entry close on April 1st for the 49th Newport Bermuda Race, 161 boats have signed up in a diverse fleet in the race’s five divisions. All entries must have ORR certificates. Returning in the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Division are the mini-maxis Shockwave and Bella Mente. Two years ago they dueled bow to bow for more than 600 miles before Bella Mente nipped Shockwave by just three minutes. Both boats broke the elapsed time record.
Also coming back is 2006-08 St. David's Lighthouse Division winner Sinn Fein. Pete Rebovich’s Cal 40 was almost destroyed in superstorm Sandy but she's been rebuilt and will be on the starting line on June 20. Rives Potts’ 2010-12 St. David's winner Carinais back, too. The famous Classic wooden 52' yawl Dorade returns under owner Matt Brooks after winning last year’s Transpac Race.
The U.S. Naval Academy will again be represented by three boats sailed by midshipmen. In 2012 the Academy boats finished second, third, and fourth on corrected time in the 93-entry St. David’s Division. Entries in the Double-Handed and Cruiser Divisions also look strong. Spirit of Bermuda, modeled on 19th century Bermudan commercial ships, will again sail with a crew of Bermuda youngsters.
For more information, visit BermudaRace.com, where Applications for Entry are due by 1700 hours, April 1, after which applicants may incur a time penalty.