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52 | 2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE fter sailing for days in the open ocean, the sight of Bermuda and terra firma is a relief. Bermuda, sitting alone in the Atlantic is an oddity but if we look at our charts we should realize this island sitting in the Atlantic is unique. Rising up in the North Atlantic Basin between Hatteras Plain and the 12,000 mile Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Bermuda combines the majesty and scope of the Rocky Mountains and yet has more in common with Pacific atolls on the opposite side of the globe. At its highest point Bermuda is only 250 feet above the surrounding sea. To put that in perspective, the John Hancock Tower in Boston is over three times taller! Below the surface, however, Bermuda rises over 12,000 feet from the sea bottom. Approaching Bermuda from the sea, after a voyage from Marion, Massachusetts is exhilarating, but After You Finish Welcome to Bermuda! imagining the totality of Bermuda from the sea bottom is inspiring. Bermuda is a tropical atoll and the northern most coral reef in the planet. It is supported by more than 12,000 feet of lava from past volcanic action. Over this base, coral has accreted to a height of over 200 feet for millions of years, limiting the approaches and giving Marion Bermuda Race participants their final challenge navigating around Northeast Breakers and Kitchen Shoals to the finish line off St. David’s Lighthouse. The 21-square-mile, fishhook-shaped island was uninhabited when it was spotted by a Spanish exploration ship led by Juan de Bermudez in 1503. Bermudez left his name behind, but it was the English who came to stay, after shipwrecking here in 1609. That 400-year legacy
2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE | 53 The best document to have is ‘YACHTS (PRIVATE) SAILING TO BERMUDA’, which can be obtained from the Department of Marine & Ports; www.marineandports.bm/Documents/ BMOC/sailing_to_bermuda.pdf. This website also contains a wealth of navigational information regarding Bermuda, Note that all references to time during the race, including the start and the finish, are in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Times noted below are in Bermuda Daylight Time, one zone earlier (ADT). One of Bermuda Radio's missions is to maintain harmonious vessel traffic in Bermuda waters. Due to heavy cruise ship and cargo vessel activity in restricted channel space, they (and we) request that you monitor VHF 16 continuously while underway and that you notify them on VHF CH16 when moving from port to port, and - importantly - when departing the island. Once you have crossed the finish line and are on your way to harbour, hoist the Bermuda courtesy flag and your yellow quarantine flag (code flag ‘Q’) on your starboard signal halyard. If it's nighttime, we strongly recommend you layover in St. George's Harbour and make the trip to Hamilton the next day in the daylight. Here are some tips on Bermuda as well as advice to help make your arrival safer and your stay more enjoyable YOUR HOST: ROYAL HAMILTON AMATEUR DINGHY CLUB (RHADC) Some local idioms that will be helpful to know: ‘The Dinghy Club’ is the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC) www.rhadc.bm, and is located as far as you can go up-harbour. Just keep Hamilton to port and Paget to starboard and you will find it. The RHADC has floating docks that will accommodate the majority of the fleet, but some vessels may be docked ‘Med Style’, meaning you will anchor out and be stern to the dock and cozy with other yachts. Make sure you have abundant fenders and lines at the ready. A ‘gangplank’ will be provided for those mooring ‘Med Style’. When approaching the club, please remain off the club's dock and contact the club's Marina Manager on the VHF CH 73. The RHADC marina has power, water, modern showers and heads and garbage disposal facilities. The marina can accommodate deep draft boats and has capacity to host upwards of 70 visiting yachts. The marina also has a pumpout facility. There can be no dumping of waste in Hamilton Harbour. is what creates the “Englishness,” while the nearly tropical air is due to the Gulf Stream you just crossed. Bermuda Highs have a major weather influence on the region, including the eastern US. High pressure systems bring mostly clear and pleasant weather to the latitudes around Bermuda and over the Atlantic Ocean. Since air circulates around highs in a clockwise manner, highs east of Bermuda bring moist air and rain to the Eastern US. Further west of Bermuda and the air travels over the Eastern Seaboard land mass bringing drier and less humid air. This creates mostly pleasant weather across the region but also the doldrums which can frustrate the best efforts of sailors racing toward Bermuda. We are happy you are here and congratulations on a safe and successful race. Welcome to our island paradise.
54 | 2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE The marina staff can assist with contacting marine specialists should they be required, and the Duty Desk can assist with arranging laundry. RHADC also offers pre-made frozen meals for your return journey to the East Coast. RHADC Duty Desk Hours Monday 1300 to 1800 Subject to arrival of boats Tuesday - Friday 0800 to 2200 Saturday 0800 to 2200 Sunday 0800 to 1300 RHADC Ship Store Hours Tuesday 0900 to 2100 Subject to arrival of boats Wednesday - Friday 0900 to 2100 Saturday 0900 to 1700 ARRIVAL & CUSTOMS As a special accommodation, His Majesty's Customs agents will process your paperwork at the Dinghy Club, rather than requiring you to clear in St. George. Please bring passports for your crew to the Club for clearance as soon after you dock as possible. Sailors who are flying home should put their tickets or e-tickets with their passports. Once you've cleared Customs, please strike the "Q" flag, but leave up the Bermuda courtesy flag for the balance of your stay in Bermuda waters. Following past races, we are asking the fleet to ‘dress ship’ by flying your signal flags. Let's do that all week, as it really looks nice. Horns and sirens are encouraged, but not to exceed 15 minutes. RHADC: 441.236.2250 Fax: 441.236.8561 | e-mail: [email protected] Bermuda Radio: 441.297.1010 | 441.297.1530 Marina Manager: Andrew Lake | 441.538.0500 [email protected] RHADC has committed to hosting all race boats for the duration of the MBR week. Download the berth reservation form rhadc.bm/wp-content/ uploads/2014/07/Visiting-Yacht-RegistrationForm.pdf GETTING AROUND Americans have been threatening life and limb on the ubiquitous rental scooters for decades. You may rent a scooter however, much of Bermuda is within walking distance and what the bustling ferry system can't get you to, the distinctive buses or taxis can. Small electric cars are also available for rent. Buses headed in most directions can be caught at Crow Lane roundabout, just a short distance from the Dinghy Club, and the club's duty desk can call a cab for you. If you're on the roads, remember to drive on the left - and yield to the traffic on the right in the frequent roundabouts. And don't forget that drinking and driving is lethal, even in Bermuda. • Oleander Cycles - oleandercycles.bm Scooters & 2 Seater Car Rentals | 441.236.2535 MARINE/OTHER SERVICES In need of repairs after your journey? These full service providers are able to meet your needs: • Spar Yard Marine Solutions spareyard.bm | 441.234.2235 • Offshore Yachting & Maintenance oymbermuda.com | 441.236.9496 • Ocean Sails - oceansails.com | 441.297.1008 • Tops Limited - tops.bm | 441.292.5500 DINING RHADC will be offering a full breakfast, lunch and dinner service throughout the week, including special dinners. Please talk to the Duty Desk for details. That said, there is no end to the list of places happy to let you purge your memory of galley gruel. Be mindful that the best of Bermuda's restaurants charge prices that are reminiscent of Boston and New York. Duty desk will be able to help make reservations and many Bermuda restaurants now support booking apps such as OpenTable. • Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club TheHamiltonPrincess.com/dining 441.295.3000
2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE | 55 From laid-back casual dining to world-class cuisine, they have curated a special collection of culinary experiences. • Dining Bermuda - diningbermuda.com offers a stable of dining options. Visit the website to find one for your crew. ACCOMMODATIONS Find the perfect place to recover from the rigors of your journey across the Gulf Stream in one of the many options from boutique hotels in town to beachside hotels with a full range of resort services. • Coco Reef Bermuda cocoreefbermuda.cm | 441.236 5416 • Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club hamiltonprincess.com | 441.295.3000 • Rosemont Guest Suites - rosemont.bm 441.292.1055 | 800.367.0400 (USA) PROVISIONS AND OTHER SERVICES Hamilton is a major city offering all the shopping comforts of home. You would be missing a quintessential part of Bermuda were you not to enjoy a Dark’n’Stormy, our national beverage. Be sure to re-provision for your return trip with the island recipe and ingredients. Grocery and laundry services are available within walking distance of the harbor. • Gosling’s Black Seal Rum goslingsrum.com/discover_bermuda.asp • The Marketplace marketplace.bm | 441.295.6006 (Hamilton) • Quickie Lickie Laundry bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_000315. htm | 441.295.3016 • Barritts Bermuda Stone Gingerbeer barrittsgingerbeer.bm SHOPPING Hamilton is Bermuda's shopping headquarters, but it is not alone. Both the Royal Naval Dockyard and St. George's have shopping. SIGHTSEEING AND ACTIVITIES There's much to see right in Hamilton and Paget near the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC) but don’t forget St. Georges, the oldest continuously inhabited town of English origin in the New World and Bermuda’s original capitol. A visit to the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s website at GoToBermuda.com will help you sort things out. While our beautiful pink beaches will give one pause to think about seeking out other options, the following list will give you some food for thought. For those adventurous souls, little doubt you will discover many more on your own. • Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute www.buei.org | 441.292.7219 • Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo www.bamz.org 441.293.2727 • Botanical Gardens - 441.236.4201 gotobermuda.com/profile/bermudabotanical-gardens/1120 • Crystal & Fantasy Caves caves.bm | 441.293.0640 • Beaches, Diving, Snorkeling & Boat Rentals gotobermuda.com/things-to-do/on-the-water • Dolphin Quest dolphinquest.com | 441.234.4464 • Royal Naval Dockyard dockyardbermuda.com | 441.234.4464 • Sports & Recreation gotobermuda.com/things-to-do/sportsrecreation-spas • Arts & Entertainment gotobermuda.com/things-to-do/artsculture-entertainment Oh, yes - It has been reported that rum is available on the island!
56 | 2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE VISIT BERMUDA'S STREET ART Royal Naval Dockyard GLASS BEACH FORT SCAUR SOMERSET BRIDGE GIBBS HILL LIGHTHOUSE BANYAN TREE TUNNEL IN SOUTHLANDS FORT HAMILTON BOTANICAL GARDENS CITY HALL & ART GALLERIES While Bermuda boasts a splash of luxury – think specialty shopping, global cuisine, world-class golf and exceptional sailing – the island is also rich in simple, affordable pleasures. 1 // Strike a Pose at the Bermuda Marquee Sign A picturesque and iconic landmark. The Bermuda sign is positioned along the Hamilton Harbour waterfront. The 40-ft long marquee presents the perfect photo op, with each colourful letter featuring artistic elements highlighting Bermuda’s culture, heritage and traditions. Next to the Visitor Service Centre in the City of Hamilton | FREE 2 // Birdwatch at Spittal Pond This 59-acre nature reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The wide variety of natural habitats makes Spittal Pond a haven for migratory shorebirds, waterfowl and many other species. In January, the sanctuary hosts as many as 500 species of birds. South Road, Smith’s Parish | FREE 4 // Explore the Bermuda RailwayTrail Explore Bermuda via the 18-mile long Railway Trail. Following the path of the train which served the island from 1931 to 1948, the popular path attracts bikers, joggers and walkers. Island-wide | FREE 5 // Take a Walking TourAround the City of Hamilton Join the City of Hamilton’s Town Crier on a free tour of the city. Meeting at City Hall every Monday to Friday at 10.30 am, you will be guided around the city’s well-known sites as well as the North of Hamilton. City of Hamilton | FREE 6 // Paint in the Open Air Capture the island’s beauty with a plein air work-shop, which typically meets on weekends at a lovely location (like the one pictured) the group will reveal to you via email ahead of time. See the Bermuda Plein Air Facebook group page. Island-wide | FREE 9 // Stroll Through the Botanical Gardens Indulge your senses with a trip to the Bermuda Botanical Gardens, and experience the sweet smells and vibrant colours of roses, frangipani and flowering hibiscus. Devonshire Parish | FREE in Bermuda 8 // Climb to the Top of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Climb the 185 steps to the top of the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the world for panoramic views of the island. The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse has been flashing its beam to seafarers since 1846. Lighthouse Road, St Anne’s Rd, Cross Bay | $2.50 per person, children 5 and under free 3 // Hike up to Fort Scaur for a View of the Great Sound Bermuda is home to several formidable fortresses including well-preserved Fort Scaur. Hike to the fort, explore the ramparts and soak in a spectacular view of Bermuda’s Great Sound. See any invading pirate ships on the horizon? Somerset Road, Sandys Parish | FREE 7 // Take a Self-Guided Art Tour The City of Hamilton is lined with colourful street murals done by local artists. See them all – for free! – and snap some amazing pho-tos with a walking tour of Bermuda murals. City of Hamilton | FREE
2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE | 57 BERMUDA AQUARIUM, MUSEUM & ZOO WALSINGHAM NATURE RESERVE ST. PETER'S CHURCH CRYSTAL & FANTASY CAVES UNFINISHED CHURCH FORT ST. CATHERINE 12 // Visit the Church The Unfinished Church looks like something out of a fairytale. The roofless edifice, overgrown with grass in spots, features Gothic arches and a nave open to the sky. Make sure to take your camera for some romantic or family shots that are worth framing! Government Hill Road, Town of St. George | FREE 11 // Get Lost in the Jungle Mangroves, blue swimming grottos, caves and trails are all part of the allure of Walsingham Nature Reserve and Blue Hole Park. Known locally as Tom Moore’s Jungle, it was named after the Irish poet who found rich inspiration in the area. Hamilton Parish | FREE 10 // Take in History & Great Views at Fort St. Catherine Fort St. Catherine dates back to 1614 and towers against a backdrop of beautiful blue ocean. Discover its impressive ramparts, keeps and learn more about its history in the museum which showcases life in Bermuda in the 17th century. St. Catherine’s Point, Town of St. George | $7 adults; $5 seniors; $3 children 6-15; children 5 and under free 20 // Go to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo Get up close to cute seals, docile sharks and peaceful water birds at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, a three-in-one attraction located in Flatts Village. 40 North Shore Road, Flatts Inlet, Hamilton Parish | Adults $10, senior citizens $5, children (5 to 12 years), children under 5 free 13 // Take the Plunge at Admiralty House Park Thrill-seekers will love Admiralty House Park near Hamilton, where they can (safely) jump from different levels of rocks into the turquoise waters below and come back out through a limestone cave. It’s a wonderful way to cool off on a summer day. 8 Admiralty Lane, Pembroke | FREE 14 // Watch the Sunrise at Gates Bay The first rays of the sun hit Bermuda on the East End, near where the early British settlers arrived onshore in 1609. Stand in their footsteps at Gates Bay and take in a piece of history as you drink your morning coffee. Cut Road, St. George’s | FREE 15 // Explore the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Walk in the footsteps of legendary Bermudians of African descent who forged great legacies in the face of persecution. From Dockyard to the Town of St. George, see their experiences come to life on a tour of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail. Island-wide | FREE (transportation required) 16 // Catch the Sunset at Fun Golf Situated on an acre of oceanfront property, Fun Golf features 18 challenging holes designed after famous holes in USA, Scotland and Bermuda. Special features include the Sunset Terrace, affording incredible views of Bermuda’s magnificent sunsets and Caddyshack, their fully licensed bar, great for a casual beverage. Dockyard | $15 for adults and $12 for children 12 years of age and under. 17 // Ride the Seaexpress Around the Island Spacious double-decker boats with breezy decks zip from place to place on four different routes. See the current ferry schedule. Island-wide (see schedule for seasonal variations) | Price: $5 18 // Experience Bermuda by the Bite Bermuda’s flourishing food scene is full of affordable bites, including the iconic Bermuda fish sandwich. This foodie’s guide to Bermuda reveals just some of what’s awaiting your tastebuds across the island. Island-wide | Varies 19 // Get Sweet Treats for the Whole Family Cool down with Bailey’s Ice Cream Parlour, Yo Cherry or Alex & Pete’s Artisan Ice Cream, or savour fresh fruit popsicles from Duch Pops. For cool treats plus pastries and more, try Duchess Cafe & Gelateria in the Hamilton Princess. Island-wide | Varies Explore More www.gotobermuda.com/spring-bermuda 21 // Have a Picnic with a View Bring your own food and drink to savour at one of the island’s many gorgeous open-air spots, like Scaur Hill, Admiralty House Park or Cooper’s Island. Island-wide | Varies COOPER'S ISLAND NATURE RESERVE Town of St. George UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
58 | 2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE f or the first time, the Bavier award for exemplary seamanship was awarded not for an act during the race. In 2015, the trophy and citation were awarded well after the fleet had returned to the US. The trophy went to Sparky, skipper Rob McAlpine and his crew for exceptional performance in helping a foundering yacht on the return trip. Restive is an Alden-designed beauty raced by George Denny in several Marion Bermuda races. On the return trip from Bermuda in 2015 they lost their rudder. James G. Blaine, a member of that Restive return crew, wrote the following about the event: “I had just gone below to get some sleep, leaving the others on deck to discuss lunch, when without warning, the wheel, which was on autopilot, holding steadily to our north-by-northwest course, began rotating wildly. All our efforts to steer manually failed, and we found ourselves adrift on an empty sea – 140 miles from the closest dry land and several thousand feet above the ocean’s floor. We hadn’t seen another boat in 72 hours. Restive proved her mettle by neatly heaving to into the wind, while the collective brainpower tried to figure out what to do. Clearly, the problem was the rudder, and so Dave descended in the bowels of the boat to have a look. “I’ve found another problem,” he called up from below, and as he scrambled back on the deck, the once-distant squalls were closing in, the waves had swelled to over eight feet, and the wind was now blowing 20-30 knots. “We have,” Dave said, “a major structural failure.” Dry rot in the rudderpost had caused the upper bearing to fail. This made steering impossible because the rudder could no longer be controlled by the helmsman, but was being driven solely by the force of the waves. It was just a matter of time before the lower bearing failed, particularly in rough seas, and even I had figured out that when that happened, Restive would sink…. The seas were growing rougher. The oncedistant line of squalls was now directly above us and seemed in no hurry to move on. Heavy rains fell, waves surged to 12 feet, and the winds were gusting to 40 knots. George went on the radio trying to notify the Coast Guard and locate any nearby boats. David and Dave devised evermore-ingenious efforts to stabilize the rudder, all of which failed.” An Award-winning Rescue at Sea The following story is an excerpt from Corinthian Resolve by Mark Gabrielson.
2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE | 59 ... the rudder could no longer be controlled by the helmsman, but was being driven solely by the force of the waves. It was just a matter of time before the lower bearing failed, particularly in rough seas, and even I had figured out that when that happened, Restive would sink ... Restive
60 | 2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE George Denny put out a Mayday on VHF channel 16, and three yachts in the area responded, including Sparky, a Hinckley Sou’wester 42 skippered by Rob McAlpine. Sparky was seven miles ahead of Restive on their return trip, and immediately turned 180° to help. Aboard Restive, the skipper and crew discussed immediate options, given the expected hour or more it would take for Sparky to reach them. Denny considered those options, and decided to deploy the life raft as a contingency once Sparky hove into sight. The raft was deployed off the stern. The crew found they were unable to bring the raft around to amidships where the boat’s motion was less. They watched the waves, and one by one they jumped into the raft off Restive’s bucking fantail. They timed their leaps when her stern was down to meet the next rising wave. Blaine wrote that one of his crewmates said, “For me, jumping into the raft was the most frightening part of the entire event. Not being able to jump without turning around and throwing myself backwards into where I hope the raft would be was terrifying. A total leap of faith.” They then cut the painter and drifted free of Restive. Sparky and her crew weren’t unoccupied while this was happening. With Rob McAlpine directing matters, and Bob Kostyla at the helm, Sparky practiced the approach to the raft three times to make sure they got it right. They were under sail, recognizing that if they ran the engine, the prop could foul any one of the numerous lines dragging in the water, including the raft’s severed painter. As they approached, Sparky threw the raft a line. The castaways tried to hold on to it, but couldn’t. Sparky was moving too fast. They circled again. This time, except for Kostyla, McAlpine arrange the crew on the leeward rail. As they came around, they again tossed a line to the raft and Restive crewman grabbed ahold of it or someone who had it, and the Sparky crew hauled the raft to the side of the side of the pitching Hinckley. Everyone was manhandled aboard successfully. Skipper George Denny exited the raft last. There was only one wounded shin; proof they’d been dragged across Sparky’s toerail. A salvage crew was deployed from the mainland, and with considerable difficulty, towed Restive in to Fairhaven, Massachusetts. She since has been repaired and is back in sailing trim. On September 18, 2015 McAlpine, Kostyla, Denny and others involved in the rescue, as well as Marion Bermuda Race Executive Director Allan McLean, several Trustees (including the author) and other club and race notables, met at the Beverly Yacht Club. McAlpine and the entire Sparky crew were awarded the Bavier Trophy for the 2015 race. It was the only time the Bavier has been awarded for the return trip. The deed of award reads: “Awarded by vote of the Race Committee in recognition of outstanding seamanship, Corinthian spirit or other special contribution to off shore sailing made during the Marion Bermuda Race…” The award was well deserved. It also was obvious to all present that the two crews had become the closest of friends. This is what happens to sailors in the Marion Bermuda Race. Whether forged through a rescue at sea, being thrashed by big seas and heavy wind offshore, or even collectively suffering through a mind-numbing, and interminable calm, sailors who race from Marion to Bermuda, and who do so understanding that it’s a race to be won as a Corinthian, friendship made will remain lifelong. We are partners in an endeavor initially visualized by two good friends, perfected by hundreds of volunteers, and sustained by a very big and good idea – go to sea, sail fast, and win if it’s your lot. Do so in your own boat under your own command with good friends doing their very best to win. Sail with Corinthian resolve. an aWaRd-Winning ResCue at sea
2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE | 61 About the Author Mark Gabrielson retired from business after a 35-year career in biopharmaceutical venture capital and management. He is a four-time competitor in the Marion Bermuda celestial navigation class. He occasionally teaches an undergraduate course at Harvard University on the fundamentals of way-finding on land and sea without instruments. He has written two books, one on the Deer Island America’s Cup sailors (2013), the other Corinthian Resolve: The Story of the Marion Bermuda Race (2017). He currently is working on a new maritime history of the world’s most important quarantine and medical isolation islands. He and his wife Betsy live in Boston and have a family home on Deer Isle, Maine. The Robert L. Bavier Seamanship-Sportsmanship Trophy Mark Gabrielson's Corinthian Resolve book is available through Landfall Navigation: www.landfallnavigation.com/gifts-galley/books-guides.html an aWaRd-Winning ResCue at sea Bob Kostyla & Nancy Skawinski Kostyla George Denny & Rob McAlpine
NEWPORT NEWPORT TOTO BERMUDA BERMUDA bermudarace.com/guide Compete for the Compete for the Bermuda Ocean Cruising Yacht Trophy. Cruising Yacht Trophy. for the best combined performance in this performance in this years' Marion Bermuda Race. The 54th Edition starts The 54th Edition starts June 19, 2026 June 19, 2026 and registration is and registration is open! 62 | 2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE
Carbon Spars, the best thing you can do for your boat Carbon Spars | Powerfurl Booms | Pocket Booms | Custom Projects G M T Composite s . c o m Bristol, RI, USA | 401.253.8802 | [email protected] 2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE | 63
64 | 2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE OVERALL TROPHIES GOSLINGS FOUNDERS TROPHY Awarded to the mono-hull with the best corrected time. BOUDICCA Richard Moody, Jamestown, RI King Marine Reichel-Pugh 66 THE BLUE WATER SAILING CLUB BOARD OF GOVERNORS’ TROPHY Presented to the first yacht to finish. This trophy also includes a Coming Home Pennant to be proudly displayed. BOUDICCA Richard Moody, Jamestown, RI King Marine Reichel-Pugh 66 CELESTIAL TROPHY PRESENTED BY CELESTAIRE Awarded to the celestial navigator who applies fo consideration and whose work is selected by a panel of experienced celestial navigators, as "best" based on the proficiency demonstrated in the difficulty of the navigational techniques used and the skil exhibited in the submitted work. PINNACLE Peter Torosian, Atkinson, NH Tartan 4100 2023 MARION BERMUDA RACE Trophy Winners THE BEVERLY YACHT CLUB POLARIS TROPHY Awarded to the yacht with the best celestially-navigated performance. This trophy also includes a Coming Home pennant to be proudly displayed. DEFIANCE Phillip Pacheco and 1/C Dylan Medina, Annapolis, MD Pierson Composites Navy 44 MKII THE NAVIGATORS TROPHY Awarded to the yacht with the best celestially-navigated performance. DEFIANCE Phillip Pacheco and 1/C Dylan Medina, Annapolis, MD Pierson Composites Navy 44 MKII CLASS TROPHIES PERFORMANCE CLASS FIRST PLACE Trophy presented by Maximum BOUDICCA Richard Moody, Jamestown, RI King Marine Reichel-Pugh 66 SECOND PLACE LYRIC Jay Hansen, Jamestown, RI X-Yachts X 49 THIRD PLACE SCYLLA Aeneas Dodd-Noble, Andover, MA Sirena Marine Azuree 46 THE COOK'S TROPHY SCYLLA Aeneas Dodd-Noble, Andover, MA Sirena Marine Azuree 46 CLASS A FIRST PLACE Trophy presented by Maximum MARA Alex Tarakhovsky, New York, NY Able Apogee 50 SECOND PLACE THE ROVER S. Steven Yang, New York, NY Nautor Swan 44 MKII THIRD PLACE ARKANA S. Bradford Gibbs, Providence, RI Jeanneau SunFast 3300
2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE | 65 THE COOK'S TROPHY INISHARON Aeneas Dodd-Noble, Rye, NH Lyman Morse Seguin 49 CLASS B FIRST PLACE Trophy presented by Maximum DEFIANCE Phillip Pacheco and 1/C Dylan Medina, Annapolis, MD Pierson Composites Navy 44 MKII SECOND PLACE YAQUINA Charles Samuelson, Cohasset, MA Beneteau First 42 THIRD PLACE INTEGRITY Aidan Johnson and 1/C Jaden Tabak, Annapolis, MD Navy 44 MKII STC THE COOK'S TROPHY SERENA Brian Johnson, New York, NY Hinckley Sou’wester 42 CLASS C FIRST PLACE Trophy presented by Maximum SILHOUETTE David Caso, Duxbury, MA Cherubini 44 SECOND PLACE WIND CHIME Thomas Greaves, North Andover, MA Bristol 35.5CB THIRD PLACE YANKEE GIRL Thomas Vander Saim and Johnathan Bixby, Portsmouth, RI Morris Justine THE COOK'S TROPHY YANKEE GIRL Thomas Vander Saim and Johnathan Bixby, Portsmouth, RI Morris Justine REGIONAL & CLUB TROPHIES THE CORPORATION OF HAMILTON TROPHY Awarded for the best performance by a yacht from Bermuda. Not Awarded THE COMMODORES CUP Awarded for the best performance by a yacht from the Blue Water Sailing Club. Not Awarded THE BERMUDA LONGTAIL TROPHY Awarded for the best performance by a yacht from the Beverly Yacht Club. Not Awarded SPECIAL TROPHIES THE L. BYRON KINGERY JR. MEMORIAL TROPHY Awarded for the best performance by a short-handed yacht with a three or four person crew. SILHOUETTE David Caso, Duxbury MA Cherubini 44 THE R&W ROPE – RIGGING SOLUTIONS TEAM TROPHY Awarded to the team of three yachts from one club or association with the lowest corrected times. Not Awarded THE DOUBLE HANDED TROPHY Awarded to the first yacht with a two-person crew to finish. VENTUS Henri Brink and Leon Brink-Bredella, Boston, MA Hanse 415 THE BEVERLY FAMILY TROPHY Awarded to the "family" yacht finishing first. A "family" yacht is defined as one with a crew of five or more members with all but one member from a single household or single family. Persons related to a common grandparent, and spouses of those persons, will be considered family. LEVIATHAN Dennis Walsh, Mattapoisett, MA Queen Long Stevens Custom 47 THE COMMODORE FAITH PAULSEN TROPHY Awarded to the yacht crewed entirely by women to finish first. Not Awarded THE OFFSHORE YOUTH CHALLENGE TROPHY Awarded to the first "youth" yacht to finish first. DEFIANCE Phillip Pacheco and 1/C Dylan Medina, Annapolis, MD Pierson Composites Navy 44 MKII THE BERMUDA OCEAN CRUISING TROPHY Awarded by SAIL Magazine to the skipper of the yacht with the best combined performance in consecutive Marion-Bermuda and Newport-Bermuda Race Cruiser Division races. PINNACLE Peter Torosian, Atkinson, NH Tartan 4100 THE ANCIENT MARINERS GOLDEN TEAPOT TROPHY Awarded to the finishing yacht with the crew with the highest average age. YANKEE GIRL Thomas Vander Saim and Johnathan Bixby, Portsmouth, RI Morris Justine THE BARTRAM TROPHY Awarded to a service academy or ROTC yacht. INTEGRITY Aidan Johnson and 1/C Jaden Tabak, Annapolis MD Navy 44 MKII STC 2023 maRion beRmuda RaCe tRoPhy WinneRs
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Pictures Winner DSCO 1231 and DSCO1021 Nan & Karen 2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE | 67 MINI CLASS TROPHIES THE HINCKLEY/MORRIS CLASS TROPHY Awarded for the best performance by a yacht manufactured by Hinckley/Morris Yachts YANKEE GIRL Thomas Vander Saim and Johnathan Bixby, Portsmouth, RI Morris Justine CLASSIC YACHT DIVISION THE CAPTAIN EDWARD WILLIAMS TROPHY Awarded to the Classis Yacht Division vessel with the best corrected time. Not Awarded EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE TROPHY THE ROBERT N. BAVIER, JR. SEAMANSHIP-SPORTSMANSHIP TROPHY At the discretion of the MBCYRA, this may be awarded to any registered yacht, in recognition of truly outstanding seamanship or sportsmanship, independent of the yacht's finishing position. Not Awarded 2023 maRion beRmuda RaCe tRoPhy WinneRs Congratulations to all the 2023 Marion Bermuda Race Winners!
68 | 2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE RHADC PAST COMMODORES Awarded to the electronically navigated boat in her division with the best overall corrected time. GOSLINGS FOUNDERS TROPHY Awarded to the boat in her division with the best overall corrected time. CELESTAIRE NAVIGATOR’S TROPHY Awarded to the celestial navigator who is judged “best” according to the panel of Celestaire judges. BYC POLARIS TROPHY Awarded to the celestially navigated boat in her division with the best overall corrected time. R & W ROPES RIGGING SOLUTIONS TEAM TROPHY Awarded in each division to the established yacht club or sailing club whose team of three (3) yachts has the lowest combined corrected time. The club’s commodore must submit an application naming the yachts forming the team by Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Prizes will be awarded to yachts based upon their ORR or PHRF corrected time unless otherwise described. Corrected times will be adjusted for starting time and time credits or penalties at the decision of the Compliance Committee or the Protest Committee. Other prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the Race Committee. OVERALL DIVISION TROPHIES FOR FOUNDERS (ORR) AND PHRF DIVISIONS. J/BOAT TROPHY Awarded in each division to the J Boat with the best overall corrected time. BWSC BOARD OF GOVERNOR’S TROPHY Awarded to the boat with the shortest elapsed time. ALL YACHTS The following prizes will be awarded to the boat which meets the criteria regardless of division. COOK’S TROPHY Awarded to the cook of the last yacht to physically finish within the finish time limit. ROBERT L. BAVIER SPORTSMANSHIPSEAMANSHIP TROPHY May be awarded at the discretion of the MBR Trustees in recognition of truly outstanding seamanship or sportsmanship.
2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE | 69 L BYRON KINGERY MEMORIAL Awarded to the “shorthanded” boat, one with three (3) or four (4) people aboard with the best finish in their class. A regular fulltime paid captain or crew member is not allowed on a shorthanded boat. BEVERLY FAMILY TROPHY Awarded to the “familycrewed” boat with the best finish in their class. The “family-crewed” boat has a crew of five (5) or more with all or all-but-one being members of a single household or single family. Persons related to a common grandparent and spouses of these will be considered “family.” A regular full time paid captain or crewmember is not allowed on a “family” boat. OFFSHORE YOUTH CHALLENGE TROPHY Awarded to the “Youth” boat with the best finish in their class. The “Youth” boat has at least four (4) youths aboard with at least 66% of the crew qualified as youths. A youth sailor must be 16 years of age or older but not more than 23 years old by June 19, 2025. One or more adults at least 23 years old by June 19, 2025 must be onboard. OFFSHORE WOMEN’S CHALLENGE TROPHY Awarded to the boat with the best finish in their class that has a woman skipper and greater than 50% of the total crew are women. BARTRAM TROPHY Awarded for the best performance by a US service academy, maritime college or ROTC yacht. ANCIENT MARINER’S GOLDEN TEAPOT Awarded to the crew having the highest average age who finishes the race. SPECIAL TROPHIES FOR FOUNDERS (ORR) OR PHRF DIVISIONS These prizes and trophies were established to foster competition between crews, teams, and yachts of similar design. These prizes and trophies will be awarded to the boat, either ORR or PHRF, with the best finish position in her starting class if there are three (3) or more yachts starting the Race (in all classes combined) in the category or at the discretion of the Race Committee. “Best finish in class” is interpreted to mean the boat’s numerical finish on corrected time in their starting class (e.g. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.). If there is a tie, the boat that sailed in the largest finishing class will receive the trophy. DOUBLEHANDED TROPHY Awarded to the boat with a crew of two (2) sailors with the best finish in their class. A regular full-time paid captain or crew member is not allowed on a doublehanded boat. COMMODORE FAITH PAULSEN TROPHY Awarded to the boat with the best finish in their class that is crewed entirely by females. A regular full-time paid captain or crew member on an all-female yacht must be female.
70 | 2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE REGIONAL OR CLUB Awarded to yachts that have not received any other trophy. Only one Regional or Club trophy will be awarded per yacht. BERMUDA LONGTAIL TROPHY Awarded to a Beverly Yacht Club boat COMMODORE’S CUP Awarded to a Blue Water Sailing Club boat CORPORATION OF HAMILTON Awarded to a Bermuda boat CLASS TROPHIES The following trophies will be awarded in each starting class in each division. FIRST PLACE Awarded to the boat with the best corrected time in each starting class with 3 or more entries SECOND PLACE Awarded to the boat with the second best corrected time in each starting class with 5 or more entries THIRD PLACE Awarded to the boat with the third best corrected time in each starting class with 8 or more entries OVERALL DIVISION TROPHY FOR SAIL TRAINING VESSELS CAPTAIN ED WILLIAM TROPHY Awarded to the Sail Training vessel with the best overall corrected time MINI CLASS TROPHIES Awarded to the yacht in each mini-class with the best finish in their class. When three (3) yachts of similar hull design or same manufacturer start the race, they may constitute a “mini-class,” regardless of their Skipper’s Starting Class. BERMUDA OCEAN CRUISING YACHT TROPHY Sponsored by Sail Magazine and awarded to the Skipper who has the best finish in consecutive Marion-Bermuda Founder’s Division and Newport-Bermuda Finisterre Division Races. Congratulations to all the TROPHY WINNERS in the 2025 MARION BERMUDA RACE!
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2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE | 73 NOMINATION FOR THE ROBERT N. BAVIER, JR. SEAMANSHIP SPORTSMANSHIP TROPHY I nominate ___________________________________________________________________________________________ for the following reasons: _______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please enclose supporting statements from other people. Signed _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Yacht ___________________________________________________________ Local Phone __________________________ Local Address ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I will be available at RHADC on Friday, June 23rd to support this nomination if requested to do so by the Committee. ❍ YES ❍ NO I understand that the trophy is to be awarded by a vote of the Race Committee in recognition of outstanding seamanship, sportsmanship, Corinthian spirit or other special contribution to offshore sailing made during the Marion Bermuda Race; that the Trophy will not be awarded in the absence of some truly special accomplishment; and that in any year it may be awarded to one or more recipients. Nominations should be filed with Race Committee at the RHADC as early as possible, but no later than 1200 ADT, Friday, June 23rd. While accompanying support statements are not required, they will simplify the committee's investigation and greatly strengthen the nomination. At least two supporting statements are recommended. Nominations may be made by any race participant or observer. CUT & SEPARATE
74 | 2025 MARION-BERMUDA RACE BOATYARDS/MARINAS Barden’s Boat Yard 48 Hinckley Yacht Services 31 Safe Harbor-New England Boatworks 18 Safe Harbor Marinas Inside Front Cover CLOTHING/APPAREL Team One Newport 26 ELECTRONICS/COMMUNICATIONS Cay Electronics 15 LIQUORS/BEVERAGES Goslings Back Cover MARINE EQUIPMENT Bainbridge International 71 Celestaire 66 GMT Composites 63 Maximum Instruments 20 NorEast Marine Services 34 Seafrost 71 Spinlock 49 MARKETING/PRINTING/PUBLICATIONS Blue Water Sailing Magazine/ Cruising Compass 28 Cranberry Print Marketing 42 Maptech 6 Sail Magazine 8 Sailing World 40 WindCheck Magazine 40 OTHER PRODUCTS/SERVICES Brewer Banner 71 CoBoaters 40 Quickie Lickie Laundry 62 Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii 22 PHOTOGRAPHY/MARINE ART Annapolis Marine Art 17 Anne T. Converse Photographer 16 Spectrum Photo 29 PROVISIONS The Market Place 76 RIGGING R&W Rope – Rigging Solutions 10 North East Rigging 28 SAFETY/MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Landfall Navigation 14 Life Raft Survival Equipment Inside Back Cover SAILS/SAILMAKERS/REPAIR Harding Sails 4 Sperry Sails 48 WEATHER & GULF STREAM Locus Weather 40 YACHT BUILDERS/YACHT SALES Bluenose Yacht Sales 2 Grand Banks 45 YACHT RACES Marion to Bermuda Race 2027 30 Newport to Bermuda Race 2026 62 ADVERTISER INDEX
LRSE IS THE OFFICIAL LIFE RAFT SERVICE COMPANY FOR THE MARION–BERMUDA RACE LIFE RAFTS EPIRBS + PLBS LIFE JACKETS IMMERSION SUITS MAN OVERBOARD Life Raft + Survival Equipment has been selling and servicing major brands of life rafts and marine safety equipment since 1983. The LRSE team is made up of the foremost experts in marine safety and survival equipment. Our technicians are factory-trained and certi�ed in the latest national, international, industry and manufacturer regulations. They are prepared to work with you to equip your vessel with all of your safety needs as well as prepare your crew with hands-on training to ensure a safe voyage. SALES SERVICE TRAINING RENTAL OUTFITTING • • • • LRSE IS THE OFFICIAL LIFE RAFT SERVICE COMPANY FOR THE MARION–BERMUDA RACE LIFE RAFTS EPIRBS + PLBS LIFE JACKETS IMMERSION SUITS MAN OVERBOARD Life Raft + Survival Equipment has been selling and servicing major brands of life rafts and marine safety equipment since 1983. The LRSE team is made up of the foremost experts in marine safety and survival equipment. Our technicians are factory-trained and certi�ed in the latest national, international, industry and manufacturer regulations. They are prepared to work with you to equip your vessel with all of your safety needs as well as prepare your crew with hands-on training to ensure a safe voyage. SALES SERVICE TRAINING RENTAL OUTFITTING • • • •
MARION BERMUDA RACE 1582_GOSL_24_Marion_Bermuda_Race_FPFB_mech_x1a.pdf 1 12/19/24 11:16 AM