News Releases

Annapolis to Bermuda Race Last Call for Entries

Still Time to Enter Bermuda Ocean Race

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 31) – The 18th biennial Bermuda Ocean Race (BOR) to be held Friday, June 8 has announced its last call for entries. The deadline for entries is Tuesday, May 1. The entry fee is $950. Entries may be made online here.

The BOR is a race that begins in Annapolis, a community with a 350+ year-old maritime history, and ends 750 miles later in Bermuda. Open to any single or multi-hulled sailing yacht, Annapolis organizers are anticipating up to 50 entries. The competition welcomes racing veterans, 1^st timers and cruisers. It’s open to any single- or multi-hulled sailing yacht 28- feet length overall or greater. There will be spinnaker, non-spinnaker, double-handed and one-design classes. There will also be a separate demonstration class for the Mini 6.5s.

The race is known for its mix of great racers, cruisers and diverse sailing conditions. Starting on the Chesapeake Bay sailors must navigate busy bay waters and cross the Gulf Stream. Largely invisible competition and reefs encircling Bermuda also make it a race for the adventurous.

But what makes the Bermuda Ocean Race unique from other ocean races? Kurt Lowman, navigator of Donnybrook, a Custom 72 and communications coordinator for Chessie Racing, one of the 1997-98 Whitbread Round-the-World boats, indicated that the 125-mile challenge of the Chesapeake was one of the reasons the Whitbread and Volvo Ocean Race races came to Annapolis.

“The leg up the U.S Eastern Seaboard was the shortest of the Volvo with the exception of the final run into Kiel. But it was also one of the most tactically challenging due to the complexities of the Chesapeake Bay,” he said. “That run up the bay is typically in lighter, more variable winds. Once inside the boats had to be wary of the numerous shoals and shallows scattered along this picturesque stretch of water. BOR racers can expect similar challenges!”

“It’s a formidable environment for a first-time ocean racer and no easy feat for more veteran racers,” Lowman added.

Get the Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions and info on Annapolis and Bermuda activities here. See us on Facebook/BOR2012.

Hosts: Annapolis’ Eastport Yacht Club and Bermuda’s St. George’s Dinghy and Sports Club. Sponsors: Bacon Sails & Marine Supplies, Lee Chesneau's Marine Weather, Gosling Brothers, Maggie Lee Designs and Spinsheet.

Dream it? Dare to? Do it!

New Sponsors Bring Vitality to 2012 Annapolis - Bermuda Race

Lee Chesneau’s Weather & Gosling Brothers Climb Aboard BOR

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 5, 2012) – Bermuda Ocean Race (BOR) organizers have announced two new sponsors to their 18^th biennial Annapolis to Bermuda race slated for Friday, June 8. Lee Chesneau, professional meteorologist, instructor and acclaimed author and Gosling’s Bermuda Rums, and their signature cocktail the Dark ‘n Stormy®, join the race’s roster of sponsors.

“Both Lee and Goslings have been long time benefactors of the Bermuda Ocean Race,” said Mary Ann DeGraw, BOR chair. “We are very pleased to have them join us again to lend their support and unique resources. They are a great match and will help us boost awareness among our mutual audiences.”

The BOR begins in Annapolis, a community with a 350+ year-old maritime history, and ends 750 miles later in Bermuda. It is designed to challenge sailors with a unique combination of conditions – unpredictable winds down the Chesapeake Bay, shipping traffic along busy coastal waters, a Gulf Stream crossing, swirling eddies, invisible competition and hazardous reefs encircling Bermuda. It is open to any single or multi-hulled sailing yacht. The fleet in 2010 ranged in size from 21 to 81 feet reflecting both cruising and racing designs, and crews of two to 28 ranging from professional sailors to Sea Scouts. Entries are accepted until May 1. To enter or for more information see bermudaoceanrace.com or facebook.com/BOR2012.

Dream it? Dare to? Do it!

Bermuda Ocean Race Slates Seminar Feb. 11 at NEW location

‘Navigation Know-How: Combining Common Sense with Technology’

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Jan. 13) -- For those entering or considering the Bermuda Ocean Race (BOR), organizers are hosting a navigation seminar “Navigation Know-How: Combining Common Sense with Technology” at the Eastport Volunteer Fire Department, 914 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis on Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

“This seminar will focus on navigating your way to Bermuda via the busy waters of the Chesapeake Bay, crossing the sometimes devious Gulf Stream and avoiding the treacherous reefs encircling Bermuda,” said chair, Mary Ann DeGraw. “We’ll also review the latest in electronics as well as required and allowed electronics.”

Headline speaker is Kurt Lowman, a veteran ocean racer for more than 40 years and winning navigator of Donnybrook, a Custom 72. He also served as communications coordinator and team photographer for Chessie Racing, one of the nine 1997-98 Whitbread Round-the-World boats participating in a 32,000 mile race which was thought to be the ultimate test of extreme sailing.

Tarry Lomax, a blue water sailor in more than a dozen ocean races, will also participate in the seminar. He served as navigator aboard Raider in the 2008 BOR setting a new record for the fastest time. Lomax and Lowman have competed head-to-head in a number of ocean races.

This featured seminar, the fourth in the series, is free and open to the public. The seminars are often standing-room only. Advanced registration is required. Contact Kristy Goode: annapolisevents@bermudaoceanrace.com or 410-570-9710. In the event of bad weather, check bermudaoceanrace.com or Facebook/Bermuda Ocean Race 2012.

Mark your calendars for the BOR’s 5th seminar: Offshore Vessel Preparation, Sat., March 24, noon- 4 p.m. at the Eastport Volunteer Fire Department, 914 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis. Dave Abt, president of Marine Rescue & Tactical Survival, LLC, will discuss how best to prepare your boat and crew. Emergencies at Sea and BOR required safety items will also be reviewed. After, there will be a reception for skippers and crew who are officially registered in the BOR.

The BOR begins in Annapolis June 8, 2012 and finishes 753 nautical miles later in Bermuda. The competition welcomes racing veterans, 1^st timers and cruisers. It’s open to any single- or multi-hulled sailing yacht 28- feet length overall or greater. There will be spinnaker, non-spinnaker, double-handed and one-design classes. There will also be a separate demonstration class for the Mini 6.5s.

If you want to be on the start line for the BOR, the entry fee is $950. Entries may be made online at bermudaoceanrace.com. Final entry deadline is May 1, 2012.

Get the Notice of Race and info on pre-race seminars covering weather, tactics and boat and crew preparation at bermudaoceanrace.com. See us on Facebook too.

Annapolis’ Eastport Yacht Club and Bermuda’s St. George’s Dinghy and Sports Club host it. Bacon Sails & Marine Supplies, Maggie Lee Designs and Spinsheet are sponsors.

Dream it? Dare to? Do it!

Bermuda Ocean Race Slates Seminar Feb. 11

‘Navigation Know-How: Combining Common Sense with Technology’

ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 5) -- For those entering or considering the Bermuda Ocean Race (BOR), organizers are hosting a navigation seminar “Navigation Know-How: Combining Common Sense with Technology” at Eastport Volunteer Fire Department 914 Bay Ridge Ave., Annapolis on Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

“This seminar will focus on navigating your way to Bermuda via the busy coastal waters of the Chesapeake Bay, crossing the sometimes devious Gulf Stream and avoiding the treacherous reefs encircling Bermuda,” said chair, Mary Ann DeGraw. “We’ll also review the latest in electronics as well as required and allowed electronics.”

Tarry Lomax, a blue water sailor in more than a dozen ocean races, will also participate in the seminar. He served as navigator aboard Rader in the 2008 BOR setting a new record for the fastest time. Lomax and Lowman have competed head-to-head in a number of ocean races.

Mark your calendars for the BOR’s 5th seminar: Offshore Vessel Preparation, Sat., March 24, noon- 4 p.m. Dave Abt, president of Marine Rescue & Tactical Survival, LLC, will discuss how best to prepare your boat and crew. Emergencies at Sea and BOR required safety items will also be reviewed. After, there will be a reception for skippers and crew who are officially registered in the BOR.

If you want to be on the start line for the BOR, the entry fee is $850 if received before January 2, 2012; $950 after. Entries may be made online at bermudaoceanrace.com. Final entry deadline is May 1, 2012.

Get the Notice of Race and info on pre-race seminars covering weather, tactics and boat and crew preparation at bermudaoceanrace.com. See us on Facebook too.

Annapolis’ Eastport Yacht Club and Bermuda’s St. George’s Dinghy and Sports Club host it. Bacon Sails & Marine Supplies, Maggie Lee Designs and Spinsheet are sponsors.

Dream it? Dare to? Do it!

2012 Bermuda Ocean Race One Year Away

Calling All Racers: Call for Entries Kick Off

ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 1, 2011) – The 18th biennial Bermuda Ocean Race (BOR) to be held June 8, 2012 has kicked off its Call for Entries today. The entry fee is $850 if received before January 2, 2012 and $950 after that. Entries may be made online at www.bermudaoceanrace.com. Final entry deadline is May 1, 2012. The entry fee is refundable until May 1, 2012.

The competition welcomes racing veterans, 1^st timers and cruisers. It’s open to any single- or multi-hulled sailing yacht 28- feet length overall or greater. There will be spinnaker, non-spinnaker, double-handed and one-design classes. There will also be a separate demonstration class for the Mini 6.5s.

The 18^th biennial BOR begins in Annapolis and finishes 753 nautical miles later in Bermuda. The race is known for its mix of great racers, cruisers & diverse sailing conditions. Starting on the Chesapeake Bay sailors must navigate busy coastal waters and cross the often tricky Gulf Stream. Largely invisible competition and treacherous reefs encircling Bermuda make it a race for the adventurous.

Competitors during the history of this 33-year-old race have included racing stars George Collins of Chessie Racing fame and Jim Muldoon in Donnybrook; numerous rising stars on the east coast racing scene, Sea Scouts, the U.S. Naval Academy Sailing Team and many spirited cruisers.

The Notice of Race is posted at www.bermudaoceanrace.com.

Annapolis’ Eastport Yacht Club and Bermuda’s St. George’s Dinghy and Sports Club host it. Bacon Sails & Marine Supplies and Spinsheet are sponsors.

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