The W-Class 76 White Wings at St. Georges, Bermuda Photo by David McCreary

The W-Class 76 White Wings at St. Georges, Bermuda Photo by David McCreary



The West Marine Bermuda Cruising Rally combines ocean passagemaking with a week's relaxed cruising in one of the world's most breathtaking destinations.

Now in its ninth year, the Bermuda rally is organized by Steve Black and Hal Sutphen. It features key elements of the popular West Marine Caribbean 1500, including departure briefings, professional weather services, and daily radio chat hours en route.

The passage itself is not child's play, but neither is it dangerous if approached with proper planning and preparation.

The Rally fleet will gather at the Public Piers in Downtown Hampton, VA for two days of thorough inspections and briefings covering weather, Gulf Stream analysis, landfalls and communications procedures before the June 18 start. Festive send-off parties will bring participants together each evening.

A Monday start has been planned to allow for crew arrivals over the weekend.

During the passage, crews share positions on VHF and SSB as the fleet closes in on Bermuda. The trip will take most boats four to six days, to cover the distance of 640 miles.

Destination headquarters will be the St. George's Dinghy & Sports Club, where you may tie up or anchor out. St. George's is among Bermuda's most delightful areas, and is Bermuda's only port of entry.

In the stocks, town center, St. Georges, Bermuda. Photo by David McCreary

In the stocks, town center, St. Georges, Bermuda. Photo by David McCreary



On arrival, you'll be briefed on navigation around Bermuda, its history and customs, and how to find the best anchorages and snorkeling sites. From there, you'll be encouraged to set out--either in small groups or on your own, as you prefer--to explore corners of Bermuda that few visitors to the islands ever see.

After a week of relaxed cruising, boats will rendezvous at St. George's Dinghy & Sports Club for an awards party prior to the sail home. A weather briefing will precede the July 1 departure, and position reporting again will be in effect until all the boats are safely home. The return trip is optional. It is an informal passage in company allowing skippers to sail directly to their home ports.

Participants are encouraged to attend our spring West Marine Passagemaker Seminar to help prepare for the passage. Rally registrants will receive their event flag and detailed schedules on receipt of their Entry Form.

Eligibility


The West Marine Bermuda Cruising Rally is open to seaworthy yachts of any type or nationality. The lower size limit shall be 30 feet LOA. All boats must pass inspection and must be sailed by two or more sailors, with final determinations made by the Rally Committee.

Responsibility


Replica of Deliverance at the docks at St. Georges, Bermuda. Photo by David McCreary

Replica of Deliverance at the docks at St. Georges, Bermuda. Photo by David McCreary



Responsibility for self-sufficiency, safety, handling emergencies and for any accident or mishap will rest with the skipper, owner and crew as specified in the Rules and Conditions for this event. No liability or other responsibility is accepted by the organizers or sponsors toward the entrants, nor toward third parties with whom the entrants may become involved.

Volunteer Crew Registry


Skippers seeking crews should contact us for a list of volunteers. Normally, it is the responsibility of the crew member to provide transportation to and from the rally, and skipper's responsibility to furnish provisions for the time underway. If you would like to volunteer your services as a crew member, simply complete and send us the registration form.

Awards


All boats completing the rally receive awards. In keeping with the rally concept, there is little difference between awards for first place and last. In addition, there are special awards that recognize skills and contributions to the group in keeping with the values held by many cruising sailors.

Entry Information


Bermuda Maritime Museum at the Royal Naval Dockyards, Bermuda. Photo by David McCreary

Bermuda Maritime Museum at the Royal Naval Dockyards, Bermuda. Photo by David McCreary



The entry fee is $650 per boat plus $40 for each person participating in the event.

Crewmembers under age 17 are 2/3 price;
Crewmembers under age 10 are 1/2 price.

A $100 nonrefundable deposit is required for all boats to secure a position.
Balances are due 20 days prior to the start.

To register for the rally, or for more information see carib1500.com/bermuda/index.htm