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Newport-Bermuda Race

For its 100th anniversary, a fabled race attracts a glittering crowd
  • Updated: October 4, 2007

Historic Royal Bermuda YC, hosts since the first event in 1906.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Newport-Bermuda race proved more rewarding to veterans than to newer high-tech entries: Open 60 Pindar Artemas grounded hard and retired moments before the start, and the 98-foot New Zealand super-maxi Maximus failed to beat Roy Disney’s 2002 race record, crossing the finish line fourth. Sinn Fein and Lively Lady II — both over a quarter century old — each won their divisions in the St. David’s Lighthouse trophy for amateur crews. The all-women crewed Synergy, also a less-than-new boat with outdated electronics, won the cruising class by formulating a simple plan and sticking to it. Sparkman & Stevens entered six boats, all with S&S employees, brokers and friends crewing the yachts, including Siren, a 1936 New York 32, which managed third in class and fourth in fleet. Similarly, event sponsor Coldwell Banker’s entry included a few experienced sailors, but mostly company professionals. Princess Anne presented awards, confiding, “I went from sailing as a young girl to riding horses, but at the end of my career I am now firmly back to sailing. I have to confess though, that I never felt seasick on a horse. Barry Pickthall

The Royal Bermuda Anniversary Regatta provided great conditions and close racing.

The Royal Bermuda Anniversary Regatta provided great conditions and close racing. Barry Pickthall

Trimming sheets aboard Pegasus.

Trimming sheets aboard Pegasus. Billy Black

Sparkman & Stephens 1936 NY32 Siren.

Sparkman & Stephens 1936 NY32 Siren. Barry Pickthall

Twilight on the 98-foot megayacht Maximus.

Twilight on the 98-foot megayacht Maximus. Onne van der Wal

Dr. Richard Shulman of Rhode Island fulfilled his lifelong ambition: winning a famous lighthouse trophy.

Dr. Richard Shulman of Rhode Island fulfilled his lifelong ambition: winning a famous lighthouse trophy. Barry Pickthall

Bermuda Governor Sir John Vereker aboard the first-place Bermuda-registered Babe.

Bermuda Governor Sir John Vereker aboard the first-place Bermuda-registered Babe. Barry Pickthall

The centennial race also marked Bermuda rum maker Gosling’s bicentennial, a fact well exploited by partygoers.

The centennial race also marked Bermuda rum maker Gosling’s bicentennial, a fact well exploited by partygoers. Barry Pickthall

Participating yachts “dressed ship at the Royal Bermuda YC Marina.

Participating yachts “dressed ship at the Royal Bermuda YC Marina. Barry Pickthall

Smooth sailing along the way to Bermuda.

Smooth sailing along the way to Bermuda. Billy Black

Princess Anne, president of the Royal Yachting Association, presents the St. David’s Lighthouse trophy to William Hubbard and daughter Alyssa of Lively Lady II.

Princess Anne, president of the Royal Yachting Association, presents the St. David’s Lighthouse trophy to William Hubbard and daughter Alyssa of Lively Lady II. Barry Pickthall

Gosling’s Black Seal Rum transfer tattoo adorned many shoulders, as well as a few interesting appendages.

Gosling’s Black Seal Rum transfer tattoo adorned many shoulders, as well as a few interesting appendages. Barry Pickthall

Local lass Ashley Shepherd of first-to-finish Bella Mente with a tray of Dark ‘n Stormies.

Local lass Ashley Shepherd of first-to-finish Bella Mente with a tray of Dark ‘n Stormies. Barry Pickthall

With a record of 263 celebrating crews, bars were standing room only.

With a record of 263 celebrating crews, bars were standing room only. Barry Pickthall

Stowing sails aboard Maximus.

Stowing sails aboard Maximus. Onne van der Wal

Skipper Lea de Haas and her all-woman crew aboard Synergy take first place in the cruiser division.

Skipper Lea de Haas and her all-woman crew aboard Synergy take first place in the cruiser division. Barry Pickthall

Royal Bermuda TC Marina over-flowing with participants.

Royal Bermuda TC Marina over-flowing with participants. Barry Pickthall
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