Monday, June 17, 2013

J/Teams Cruising Marion-Bermuda Race

(Marion, MA)- Since its inception in 1977, the biennial Marion Bermuda Race has been a premier 645nm ocean race and sailing event which appeals to a broad range of cruising and racing enthusiasts. The Corinthian spirit of the race is one focused on Family and Fun, and all yachts and crew are participating for the joy and pleasure of sailing, competition, and the camaraderie that accompanies such an offshore event. The racing has awards for not just the various classes, but also for top leaders of traditional celestial navigation techniques using a simple watch (chronometer),  sextant (e.g. non-electronic, no GPS, no Loran, no nothing!), paper, pencil and slide rules.  Imagine that, doing sun sights, star sights and planetary/moon sights as your basis of navigation and using the tables to figure out your latitude/ longitude position-- one hopes most of these teams are proficient enough to safely navigate Bermuda's somewhat treacherous reefs and ledges!

The Marion Bermuda Race encourages the development of blue water sailing skills on seaworthy yachts that can be handled safely offshore with limited crew. The Marion Bermuda Race is organized and run entirely by members of The Beverly Yacht Club (BYC), The Blue Water Sailing Club (BWSC) and The Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club (RHADC) for the Marion Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race Association.  One of the highlights of the race is the "Sumer Solstice" Party and awards dinner on June 22nd at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club

Participating in this year's event are the experienced blue-water team aboard the J/120 ALIBI skippered by Gardner Grant from Westport, CT, a recent winner in the Block Island Race.  Joining them is the J/122 AUGUST WEST sailed by Jamey Shachoy from Marion, MA.  For the armchair J/Sailors, you can follow their progress on YellowBrick Tracker.  For more Marion to Bermuda Race sailing information