2019 Antigua Bermuda Race: How to follow the race

The largest yacht in the 2019 Antigua Bermuda Race fleet is the 100' SHK Scallywag from the Royal Hong Kong YC, skippered by David Witt from Australia © Paul Wyeth / pwpictures.com

After making final preparations before departure, teams representing over a dozen countries, including: USA, Canada, UK, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Hong Kong, France, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, the Netherlands and Germany will be setting off from Antigua for the island of Bermuda in the North Atlantic Ocean at midday (AST) on Wednesday 9th May.

With around 1,000 nautical miles of spectacular racing ahead of them, the international and highly diverse fleet will leave the beautiful island of Antigua behind them after preparing for their offshore crossing and enjoying meeting fellow competitors at a fabulous farewell party held at Nelson's Dockyard.

Watch from on shore:

Race fans in Antigua will be able view the start from the historic Shirley Heights, the restored military lookout and gun battery. Crossing the start line off Antigua's Pillars of Hercules - the spectacular limestone rock formation that guards the entrance to English Harbour, the fleet will be in the starting area from 1100 AST when yachts in all classes will start together as the gun is fired at midday. Bring your binoculars!

Track the fleet:

All yachts will be fitted with YB Trackers. Follow the front runners, an individual boat or the whole fleet via the website here.

Boat Blogs:

Stories from on board will bring the race alive for fans, family, friends and armchair sailors who are not lucky enough to be taking part this year. Follow boat blogs here.

Race Website:

Go to the official race website here for all the latest news, results and updates throughout the race. Photos and videos can also be viewed here.

Social Media:

Catch all the action from the start and updates throughout the race via social media:

• Facebook: @antiguabermudarace
• Twitter: #antiguabermuda
• Instagram: #antiguabermuda