There is no question that multihulls are a large and growing segment of the cruising fleet and are regularly making transoceanic passages with cruising crews. So, it should be no surprise that offshore events are adapting to this phenomenon and offering multihulls classes of their own. The Marion-to-Bermuda Race, which runs from Marion, MA to St. George, Bermuda every other year, will once again be sending their fleet offshore in 2023, after canceling the event in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. Included this year will be a class for multihulls with a minimum size of 32 feet, the same as for monohulls. The multihulls will be rated under the ORR VPP handicap system that was developed for the class – ORR-Mh. Multihull owners who have not sailed in a Marion-to-Bermuda Race before will find specific safety and gear requirements on the event’s website. And, for those who would like to work with veteran offshore sailors and event veterans, the organization has instituted a mentoring “Copilot” program. Copilots are available through the winter and spring to help crews get their boats and themselves ready for the 635-mile passage to Bermuda, and back. For multihull owners, the Marion-to-Bermuda Race is a great way to sail in a cruising fleet that is fairly laid back and a lot of fun while getting some serious blue-water miles under their keels. Registration is open and the race is scheduled to start on June 16, 2023. Learn more here.
