Discover Newport joins 2022 Newport Bermuda Race as official sponsor
by Bermuda Race 14 Apr 2022 09:26 PDT
June 17, 2022
Racers get underway at the start of the 2016 Newport Bermuda Race © Barry Pickthall / PPL
The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee (BROC) welcomes Discover Newport as an Official Sponsor of the historic 635-mile Newport Bermuda Race. Newport, located at the entrance to Narragansett Bay, boasts one of the world's greatest natural harbors welcoming sailors and mariners from around the world for centuries.
"Discover Newport is very excited to join our friends at Bermuda Tourism in support of this truly classic sailing competition. Both islands have long been recognized as popular travel destinations where history, sport and culture come to life," says Evan Smith, CEO & President of Discover Newport.
The very first Bermuda Race was an act of rebellion. In 1906, it was considered insane for amateur sailors to race offshore in boats under 80 feet. The smallest entry then (and in Bermuda Race history) was the 28-foot sloop Gauntlet. She was notorious for her size, and also for her crew because it included a woman, 20-year-old Thora Lund Robinson. A collection of stories from Bermuda Race historian John Rousmaniere spans historic highlights of the event.
These days the shortest length overall is 33 feet, and the Race attracts mid-size cruising and racing boats on up to 60 and even 100 feet, many designed and built in Rhode Island. Of the 210 boats currently entered, there's a maxi-multihull, two dozen double-handed monohulls, and a tall ship.
Newport is nothing if not an oasis. Cobblestone paths lined with unique shops, life-altering eateries, buildings steeped in history, and miles of coastline.
This Classic Coast is infused with a little bit of everything, and all of it is unforgettable. It's where the serenity of salt air and crashing waves meets the marvel of Gilded Age architecture. It's also where invigoration meets total relaxation.
"It's fantastic to have aboard both Discover Newport and the Bermuda Tourism Authority as supporters for the 2022 Newport Bermuda Race. Their sponsorship bookends our event and highlights the strong relationship between the race and both destinations," says Somers Kempe, Chairman of the 2022 Bermuda Race Organizing Committee.
Both islands have long been recognized as popular travel destinations where history, sport, and culture come to life. Special places to relax and enjoy natural scenic beauty and an abundance of activities ranging from world-class dining, great year-round events, and a wide range of outdoor sports, including over one hundred years of shared yachting history.
"As the host city for the starting line, Newport is looking forward to welcoming racers, family, and fans for the race week leading up to the thrilling and colorful start on June 17th. We wish all the competitors a swift and safe voyage to the beautiful island of Bermuda," concludes Smith.