Twenty-six boats are entered in this year’s biennial Annapolis to Bermuda (A2B) race. That’s a much smaller fleet than the 197 boats entered in the fabled Newport Bermuda race, which begins just a week later on June 17. Although A2B is smaller by plan (it’s limited to 50 boats), the course is significantly longer due to the opening 125-mile Bay leg.
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Stormy Weather during the 2014 Annapolis to Bermuda race. Photo courtesy of Mike Maholchic[/caption]
Many A2B sailors appreciate the challenges posed by the inshore leg, which really sets A2B apart from other offshore races. The relative safety of the Bay provides an opportunity to begin the watch system and settle boat and crew. However, the Bay brings the added challenges of determining the favored side, maneuvering the shipping channel, reading shifty Bay breezes, and watching for the common pop-up summer thunderstorm. Many boats will have practiced this leg in May by participating in the annual Down the Bay Race from Annapolis to Hampton, VA.
Upon leaving the mouth of the Bay, sailors will face similar challenges to those racing from Newport, most notably crossing the Gulf Stream. Likewise, both fleets can look forward to being welcomed at the finish by the same beautiful coral reefs and dramatic Bermuda coastline, similar prize giving ceremonies, and the same tasty dark n’ stormys.
Pre Race Festivities
You may meet the A2B skippers and crew Thursday, June 9 at the Latitude Adjustment Party, Eastport YC’s biennial block party. Introduction of skippers and crew will occur on the early side, estimated between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., since many will want to make it an early night in preparation for the big race the following day. The party is also an opportunity to recognize those chosen as the 2016 Outstanding Marine Wizards of our community. It’s a great party, and the public is welcome. Plan on plenty of rum punch, the party’s signature beverage. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Visit eastportyc.org for ticket information.
On Friday, June 10 at noon there will be a parade of the entries around Annapolis Harbor. After a few turns around the mooring field, the fleet will head out to R2 for the start of the race. The first warning signal for the start will be at 1:30. The start line will be between R2 and the race committee boat.
Tips on Spectating
“There are many great options,” says Beth Berry, chair of the race committee. “Grab a mooring for the night, hit the party, watch the parade from your mooring, and head out to watch the start. From shore, any spot with a good view of the harbor is a great place to watch the parade. Spectators who are ashore or want someone else to man the helm while they enjoy the view should arrange to go out on the schooner Liberte, which will be doing a special trip to watch the start.” theliberte.com
Prizes
Trophies will be awarded for first to finish overall, fastest corrected time out of the Chesapeake, fastest corrected time for the ocean leg, and the top three finishes in each class. The Storm Trysail Club Trophy is awarded to a club and to individual yachts. To qualify, at least two yachts must be skippered by members of the same club. The club whose top two racers achieve the highest combined score will be awarded the trophy.
A major objective of the race is to promote the art of navigation for more sailors. The Navigator Trophy is awarded to a navigator who exhibits conservative, knowledgeable, and conscientious navigation incorporating proper dead reckoning, and charting some celestial and some electronic navigation. This includes keeping a proper dead reckoning tract, the plotting of lines of position and other phenomena in the proper and traditional manner. Logs and plotting sheets must be complete, neat, and readable.
