Bermuda Sailing Events & Races

Over the past four centuries, Bermuda has made plenty of sailing history. And the island’s high seas glory just keeps building, thanks to the wealth of sailing competitions that attract the world’s best sailors.

Bermuda has long been a top destination for sailing with ideal weather and water conditions, deep connections with the international sailing community, major sailing events and fun activities both on and off the water. The island’s legacy of sailing goes back centuries, when Bermuda was founded by the survivors of the shipwrecked Sea Venture in 1609. These sailors invented the Bermuda rig, which is still used in 95% of all sailing yachts today. 

Bermuda hosts a variety of major sailing events, including the oldest regularly scheduled ocean race: the Newport Bermuda Race. View a round-up of the island's major sailing races below.

Bermuda Gold Cup

October 29 - November 3, 2024

The Bermuda Gold Cup is a prestigious sailing race, part of the World Match Racing Tour, held annually in Bermuda. Established in 1950, this event attracts top match racing teams from around the world, who compete for the coveted King Edward VII Gold Cup trophy. Spectators are welcome to the Club during this event. Racing takes place on Hamilton Harbour. 

It is an invitational event for 10 teams including some of the top match racers in the world. Over its storied history, the winner's list has featured some of the biggest names in sailing, including New Zealand's Russell Coutts, the all-time champion with seven titles, and Australia's James Spithill. 

Bi-Annual Races

Marion Bermuda Race

June 20, 2025

Boat racing can be a high-tech endeavour in the 21st century. But the biennial Marion Bermuda Race takes the sport back to its roots. Founded in 1977, the race challenges yachters to make the 645-mile journey from Buzzard Bay in Marion, Massachusetts to David’s Head in Bermuda using only the stars as their guide.

Though some sailors opt to use electronic tools these days, celestial navigation is what the race is best known for – it’s the only ocean race in North America that offers a celestial class. 

Annapolis Bermuda Ocean Race

June 2026

If you’re going to attempt the Annapolis Bermuda Ocean Race, you’ve got to love the open sea. The race covers 753 miles, making it the longest ocean race on the East Coast of the U.S. The distance isn’t the only difficulty, however. Setting sail from Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay – known for its unpredictable winds and heavy shipping traffic – and traversing the swirling currents and wild weather of the Gulf Stream will test any crew’s mettle. Despite such challenges, the race is still open to first-timers, veterans and cruisers.

The Newport Bermuda Race

June 19, 2026

When the first Newport Bermuda Race took place in 1906, spectators were enthused and bewildered by the participants' desire to pull off such a brave feat. The 635 nautical miles between Newport, Rhode Island and Bermuda offer high winds and big waves – usually the kinds of things seamen do their best to avoid. But the challenge and thrills of the race have proven addictive to adventurous types.
The race is nicknamed "the thrash to the Onion Patch" because of those aforementioned high winds and big waves (a potent mix sailors call "a hard thrash"), and because of Bermuda’s onetime primary export: onions. To this day, Bermudians still refer to themselves as “onions.” Learn more about this race.

*Depending on the weather, the currents in the Gulf Stream, and the boat's size, the race takes 2 - 6 to six days finishing off St. David’s Lighthouse.