(Marion, MA)- Since its inception in 1977, the biennial Marion Bermuda
Race has been a premier 645nm ocean race and sailing event which appeals
to a broad range of cruising and racing enthusiasts. The Corinthian
spirit of the race is one focused on Family and Fun, and all yachts and
crew are participating for the joy and pleasure of sailing, competition,
and the camaraderie that accompanies such an offshore event. The racing
has awards for not just the various classes, but also for top leaders
of traditional celestial navigation techniques using a simple watch
(chronometer), sextant (e.g. non-electronic, no GPS, no Loran, no
nothing!), paper, pencil and slide rules. Imagine that, doing sun
sights, star sights and planetary/moon sights as your basis of
navigation and using the tables to figure out your latitude/ longitude
position-- one hopes most of these teams are proficient enough to safely
navigate Bermuda's somewhat treacherous reefs and ledges!
The Marion Bermuda Race encourages the development of blue water sailing
skills on seaworthy yachts that can be handled safely offshore with
limited crew. The Marion Bermuda Race is organized and run entirely by
members of The Beverly Yacht Club (BYC), The Blue Water Sailing Club
(BWSC) and The Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC) for the Marion
Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race Association. One of the highlights of the
race is the "Sumer Solstice" Party and awards dinner on June 22nd at the
Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club
Participating in this year's event are the experienced blue-water team
aboard the J/120 ALIBI skippered by Gardner Grant from Westport, CT, a
recent winner in the Block Island Race. Joining them is the J/122
AUGUST WEST sailed by Jamey Shachoy from Marion, MA. For the armchair
J/Sailors, you can follow their progress on YellowBrick Tracker. For
more Marion to Bermuda Race sailing information
