Antigua Bermuda Race selected for 2019 Atlantic Ocean Racing Series

Back in 2019. Stephen Murray Jr's American turbo-charged Volvo 70 Warrior took line honours in the last race © Event Media

The magnificent Comet Trophy will be awarded to the winner of the Atlantic Ocean Racing Series © New York Yacht Club

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club announces that the third edition of the Antigua Bermuda Race will start on the May 8, 2019 and will be part of the 2019 Atlantic Ocean Racing Series (AORS).

The 2019 Atlantic Ocean Racing Series will consist of five races: RORC Caribbean 600, Antigua Bermuda Race, Transatlantic Race 2019, Rolex Fastnet Race, and Rolex Middle Sea Race. Three races, including the Transatlantic Race (weighted 1.5) will be required to qualify.

"The TR 2019 committee unanimously thinks adding the Antigua Bermuda Race to the AORS is a splendid idea and should benefit all the races included. We are very excited about the enhancement to the series," commented Co-chair Patti Young.

The 935-mile Antigua Bermuda Race is organized in association with Antigua Sailing Week and is supported by the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Yachts of 40ft and over will be racing under the IRC Rating Rule, MOCRA and the CSA Racing Rule, with the latter amended to permit boats to use their engines, subject to a time penalty. The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, with many years experience hosting the Newport Bermuda Race, will guarantee a fantastic welcome and a great party.

"We are delighted to be part of Atlantic Ocean Racing Series, alongside such prestigious races," commented Antigua Bermuda Race Chair, Les Crane. "As part of the AORS we hope to attract many of the competitors for the series to race with us to Bermuda. At the end of the Caribbean Season, Bermuda is en route for yachts heading to North America, and for those crossing the Atlantic. The Antigua Bermuda Race is the perfect way to give purpose and safety to many yachts that will be plying the route. This is exactly the result we planned for when we started the race in 2017."

The 2019 Antigua Bermuda Race will start on May 8, 2019, five days after the 52nd edition of Antigua Sailing Week. There will be a crew party for all participants the day before departure and a Prize Giving at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club on May 16, 2019. Some exciting full boat race charters and head charters are available via the web site.

Competitors are invited to express their interest in the Antigua Bermuda Race at: antiguabermuda.com