Ida Lewis Distance Race 2026 - Preview: Newport's ultimate 24-hour offshore test
by Barby MacGowan 4 Feb 12:12 PST
August 14-15, 2026
The 2026 Ida Lewis Distance Race starts Friday, August 14 in Narragansett Bay's East Passage © Stephen R Cloutier
There are distance races, and then there is the Ida Lewis Distance Race: a full-throttle, 24-hour offshore challenge set in the very heart of New England sailing.
For crews looking to test endurance, seamanship, and decision-making while racing across some of the most storied waters in the world, this is a start line that belongs on every serious sailor's calendar.
For its 21st edition, the Ida Lewis Distance Race sets sail Friday, August 14, launching competitors from a dramatic start off Fort Adams in Narragansett Bay. From there, teams are sent onto Race Committee-selected courses that weave through iconic New England waters, blending tactical coastal sailing with true offshore demands. Conditions can range from glassy night watches to breeze-on reaches - sometimes all in the same race.
Open to ORC, PHRF, and Double-Handed classes, as well as Youth and Collegiate Challenge divisions, the event attracts a dynamic mix of seasoned offshore veterans and ambitious emerging teams. What unites them is the same goal: survive the night, stay sharp through the dawn, and finish strong.
And then comes the reward.
"After 24 hours of awesome racing, crews are welcomed back with one of offshore sailing's most memorable conclusions: a signature champagne finish inside Newport Harbor, right off historic Ida Lewis Yacht Club, which hosts the event. Few races offer a finish line that feels this earned, or celebratory."
For sailors who crave strategy, stamina, and the unmistakable magic of Newport at sea, the Ida Lewis Distance Race delivers it all in one unforgettable push.
Follow the Ida Lewis Distance Race on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. For more information, go to www.ilyc.org/distancerace or contact Race Chair Anselm Richards,