The Newport Bermuda Race course looks deceptively simple. The starting line is set near Castle Hill Light at the entrance to Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. The finish is 635 nautical miles to the southeast across open ocean. This is one of very few long- distances races that is a true ocean race, with land over the horizon almost from the start to the finish. Because the winds and currents change almost constantly, the boats can rarely sail the straight “rhumbline” course of 149° True.
This year, Pantaenius Yacht Insurance has contributed the satellite-backed tracking system Yellowbrick, which has previously proven its reliability in various offshore races, to ensure that race organizers and emergency services are always able to pinpoint every yacht’s position. The Yellowbrick satellite tracking transponders are fixed to all boats in the race. Several times a day the position of each boat in the fleet is updated and shown on a map at the Newport Bermuda Race website.
Yellowbrick also enables relatives, friends and sailing enthusiasts worldwide to easily follow loved ones who are racing—or just keep up with race’s current status—from their computers or any iOS and Android devices. The site received up to 10,000 visits a day during the 2006 race as family members and sailors from around the world followed the progress of the fleet. The racers also download the positions of their competitors who are spread far across the course and out of sight.
To use Yellowbrick, just visit: www.pantaenius.com/NBRtracking or simply download the Yellowbrick App onto your Smartphone or Tablet.
Whether you’re sailing along with this year’s fleet or watching the start from the rocks above the lighthouse, Pantaenius wishes everyone an exciting racing experience and hopes that you enjoy our tracking service during this event.
Fair winds and a safe race to all!
