iBoat to track Marion to Bermuda

by Talbot Wilson on 2 Jun 2005 For the first time ever, spectators on shore can track the action of the entire Marion Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race from start to finish.

When the race starts June 17th, in Buzzard’s Bay, every boat entered in the 2005 Marion Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race will be provided with a GPS transponder linked by iBoat and the internet to computers round the world.

This is the first Category 1 race in North America to have complete GPS tracking of racers.

A demonstration site is available to preview iboat at http://www.marionbermuda.com/

iBoat will track each boat’s location and progress during the 645 mile race as well as its return home. The GPS transponder will be provided to each boat at absolutely no cost to the entrant except for a fully refundable deposit on the transponders return.

The program created by Horizon Marine, iBoat Track is an internet based tracking program that can be accessed through any browser. Globalstar will be providing the satellite uplink as part of their Presenting Sponsor package for the race.

Now family and friends will be able to watch race progress throughout the race, yachts’ position and speed, where they stand within the fleet, along with their position in class.

Those sailing publications and newspapers tracking the race will be able to report in real time as to how the race is unfolding.

It is a great addition to the 2005 Marion Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race and we would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Horizon Marine and Globalstar for helping bring this significant improvement to the race.

For complete information on the 15th biennial Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race including all the dates and deadlines, entry list and much more go to www.marionbermuda.com

About the Marion to Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race

The 15th biennial Marion-Bermuda Cruising Yacht race, open to amateur cruising yachts, families and friends, gets underway on Buzzard’s Bay June 17, 2005.

Participants will have the opportunity to compete in an open ocean passage with a group of friendly competitors. Sailing in this race is a life experience that can bridge the gap between generations, solidify friendships and foster teamwork, all while promoting seamanship and the love of sailing.

While the spirit of competition flows as freely in the veins of Marion-Bermuda racers, as it does in sailboat racers everywhere, it is a cruising yacht race.

It is as much about companionship and the joy of coaxing the best performance possible out of a sailboat as it is about being first to cover the 645 nautical miles to St. David’s Head.

Characteristically, a Friends and Family day race is scheduled for Bermuda a week after the start; prizes in that race go to, among others, the yacht with the largest crew and the one with the best attitude.

This prestigious race began in 1977 with its roots deep in the Corinthian spirit and is hosted by the Beverly Yacht Club, the Blue Water Sailing Club and, the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club.

The race is open to single hulled sailing vessels with a minimum hull length, exclusive of sprits, of 32 feet, with a maximum of 80 feet.

In 2005, for the first time, the race will be open to two new categories, Multi-hull yachts and Double Handed yachts. Also for the first time, a trophy will be awarded for the best finish of a yacht with an all-female crew.

Although it is a race for amateur sailors rather than pros, safety is of prime consideration and Marion-Bermuda’s safety regulations are as stringent as any other race of its type.

All yachts will be required to demonstrate to the Selection Committee to be of a design that is seaworthy and appropriate for sailing well offshore. This is a Category 1 Race as defined by the ISAF (ISAF regulations).

All yachts must be inspected and meet these offshore safety requirements. Visit the race website – www.marionbermuda.com – for a complete listing of all pertinent details.

*Amended by Sail-World