A2B and STC Announce New Perpetual Trophy

2024 Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race © A2B Media

The Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race (A2B) sponsored by Mustang Survival is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Storm Trysail Club Chesapeake Station to create the ALL SERVICE ACADEMIES & MARITIME SCHOOL CUP perpetual trophy for A2B in 2026.

The Storm Trysail Club Chesapeake Station cup will be awarded to the military service or maritime academy boat with the fastest corrected time in the dedicated Sub-Class. Eastport Yacht Club (EYC), host of the A2B race, praised the partnership, with EYC Commodore Jennifer Creary Ellefson commenting: "Supporting the next generation of offshore sailors led by our service academies and maritime schools aligns perfectly with EYC's mission of connecting people on the water. These institutions produce exceptional sailors, and we are honored to recognize their achievements in such a prestigious ocean race."

A boat that is registered and fully crewed by a military service or maritime academy crew may compete in the Sub-Class. The competition celebrates the sailing traditions of institutions including the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, SUNY Maritime College, Maine Maritime Academy, and other service and maritime academies.

The A2B Organizing Authority is extremely proud to launch this partnership. Event Chair Bert Bossar explained, "These institutions have long traditions of excellence in offshore sailing. The A2B offers the perfect proving ground—a demanding 753-nautical-mile course that tests navigation, seamanship, and teamwork. We are thrilled to partner with our Chesapeake Station of the Storm Trysail Club to recognize these outstanding crews and hope to encourage more academy participation."

Ocean racing provides invaluable experience for midshipmen and cadets developing into future officers. The Event Chair further explained, "As an academy graduate and former Army officer, I see tremendous value in the competition: A2B represents a great proving ground to teach leadership under pressure, making decisions in challenging conditions, and working together as a crew toward a common goal. We want this cup to add meaningful recognition for the hard work and dedication by these sailors."

The Chesapeake Station for the Storm Trysail Club has a distinguished history of promoting safe and competitive ocean racing. Jeff Goldring, Station Captain, expressed enthusiasm for the new trophy: "We are proud to sponsor the All Service Academies and Maritime Schools Cup. These service academies and maritime schools develop the sailors who will lead on the water for generations to come. Recognizing their achievements in a demanding ocean race like the A2B honors these fine institutions and the sport we love."

The perpetual trophy will be unveiled at the pre-race party in June at the Eastport Yacht Club and will be maintained by the Storm Trysail Club Chesapeake Station.

The race starts June 5th, 2026. Registration is open at www.bermudaoceanrace.com