The Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race has opened registration for its 20th anniversary, which will commence on June 19, 2015. Supported by 
the Beverly Yacht Club of Marion, Massachusetts, the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club of Paget, Bermuda, and the Blue Water Sailing Club of Boston, Massachusetts, the race is open to seaworthy yachts appropriate for an offshore ocean race as defined in The US Safety Equipment Requirements (USSER).
The Marion to Bermuda course traverses three distinct bodies of water-Buzzards Bay, the Gulf Stream, and the approach to Bermuda.
“The Marion to Bermuda race offers a unique opportunity for sailors who truly love sailing. While a competition, the race truly focuses on being fun – both on the open water and in both ports,” said Allan McLean, Executive Director of the Marion Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race Association. “Marion Bermuda is a highly accessible race – perfect for the novice or experienced ocean racer. We provide many resources to help newer yachts get ready to sail and a robust agenda to keep alumni boats returning race after race.”
Supporting its commitment to provide sailors with resources both leading up to and during the race, the Marion to Bermuda race committee also today announced that Hinckley Yachts will serve as the Official Race Preparation Resource for the upcoming race.
Guidance by the US Safety Equipment Requirements
Marion to Bermuda follows the guidelines of the US Safety Equipment Requirements (USSER), which places more responsibility on the skipper of the boat for the safety of the boat and crew. Marion to Bermuda shifted from the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) guidelines in efforts to support both accessibility of the race to first-time racers and a commitment to safety for all participants. Under these requirements, preparation costs for first-time participants are reduced by up to $10,000.00.
Offshore Youth ChallengeTrophy
The Offshore Youth Challenge Trophy is a first for a USSER offshore race. The youth class is open to sailors between 16 and 23 years of age under the guidance of an adult mentor. To qualify, a minimum of four youth sailors must be aboard and constitute at least two-thirds of the crew. Special pricing on accommodations and meals in Bermuda will be available for youth participants.
“The addition of a youth class is a particularly exciting element of this year’s race,” noted McLean. “We’re thrilled to support the future of our sport – and the next 20 Marion to Bermuda races – with this commitment to the next generation of sailors.”
Registration and Fees
Registration is now open for the race. Interested participants can register online at www.marionbermuda.com. The entry fee is $950, plus $50 for each additional crewmember. Service academies or university sailing clubs are eligible for a reduced rate of $475, plus $50 per additional crewmember. Additional details on registration, fees and requirements can be found in the Notice of Race, available online: http://www.marionbermuda.com/archive/2015/nor2015.pdf.
About the Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race
Founded in 1977, the Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race offers a premier ocean racing experience for novice and experienced sailors. The 645 nautical mile biennial race is organized and run entirely by hundreds of volunteering members of the Beverly Yacht Club, the Blue Water Sailing Club, and the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club for the Marion Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race Association, a 501(c)(3) organization.
For additional information, please visit www.marionbermuda.com.
