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Smooth Sailing
 A true ocean crossing with no sight of land for most of its 635 nautical miles, the biennial Newport Bermuda Race pits small boats against large and amateur crews against pros in what may be the most coveted sailing title of the North Atlantic. The 2010 event launches from Newport, R.I., on June 18, arriving at Bermuda three to five days later, with prizes awarded on June 26 (www.bermudarace.com).
Early in the course, warm, swift currents of the Gulf Stream can either speed a boat along or present obstacles. They also generate violent squalls and choppy seas, which challenge crews to plan well and react quickly. Later in the race, winds are lighter and concentration is the key.
According to veteran Sheila McCurdy, “The water is warm, the sun is hot and the crews yearn to reach Bermuda. Excitement builds as other boats come into sight, converging for the final sprint to the finish line.” Once across the line, boats proceed to the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, and crew members finally get to join the party.
“If the Newport Bermuda Race is any one thing, it’s historic,” says race historian John Rousmaniere. Founded by Thomas Fleming Day and The Rudder magazine in 1906, race management has been a joint venture of the Cruising Club of America and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club since 1926. Sometimes called “the thrash to the Onion Patch,” the largest fleet was 265 contenders (the centennial year of 2006); the smallest fleet was two (1910).
Anchored by the Newport Bermuda Race, the Onion Patch Series starts with the fast-paced New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta, followed by the transatlantic Newport Bermuda, and then winds down with the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club’s Anniversary Regatta on Great Sound.
Relax, enjoy, save and see Bermuda by bus. A blue or pink pole indicates bus stops. If the pole is topped with blue, the bus travels from Hamilton; if the pole is topped pink, the route is toward Hamilton.
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Make your Bermuda trip even more memorable with dolphins! Dolphin Quest offers fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all. Book your adventure today!
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Have a fun-filled vacation with a cycle from Oleander. If you can ride a bicycle, you can easily ride an Oleander scooter. See all of Bermuda...reserve one today!
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