New starting location and family friendly party for the start of the 2024 Newport Bermuda Race
by Bermuda Race 2 May 12:30 EST
June 21, 2024
Newport Bermuda Race © Daniel Forster
For the first time in its 118-year history, the Newport Bermuda Race proudly unveils a new starting location just off the shoreline of Fort Adams State Park. This exciting shift in venue provides an opportunity to celebrate and cheer on the 170 boats starting the 636-mile journey, renowned for its challenge and tradition. Free and open to the public, the Starting Line Party will occur Friday, June 21st from 12 to 4 p.m.
Visitors will enjoy an immersive experience with live coverage, aerial views on an outdoor screen, and commentary from North Sails President and current Bermuda Race Record-holder Ken Read and professional local sailor and coach Jesse Fielding. The Live Show will begin with the first start of the Race at 2 p.m. and will also be streamed on bermudarace.com.
Admittance and parking for the race village are free, and alternative transportation via Providence Ferry, Jamestown Ferry, and Water Taxis are also available. The park will feature local Food Trucks and a Regatta Bar showcasing New England fare, Goslings Rum from Bermuda, and Whalers Beer from Rhode Island.
This family-friendly start to summer fun on Friday afternoon will also feature:
- The Ravers, a local Newport reggae band, performing from 12 to 1:30 pm
- Newport Artillery demonstration concluding in a cannon to signal the start of the Race at 2 pm
- A PGA Trophy photo op and putting green experience
- Sustainability and other local non-profit education booths
- Race gear shopping
- Oliver Hazard Perry tall ship tours
- Tours of the 200-year-old Fort Adams
Andrew Kallfelz, the Race Chair from Jamestown, Rhode Island, expressed enthusiasm about the transformative approach, stating, "The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee, with support from the State of Rhode Island and other partners, has been able to invest in transforming this hallmark biennial event into a celebration for the sailors, their families, and fans alike."
Race Organizers ask visitors to view the full schedule and RSVP for free on Eventbrite for updates and planning assistance. For those unable to attend in person, the Newport Bermuda Race extends its accessibility globally as the Starting Line Live Show, will be broadcast on bermudarace.com, providing sailing enthusiasts worldwide with a front-row seat to the action.