New Starting Location and Family Friendly Experience at Fort Adams
By Kate Somers, risingT
For the first time in its 118-year history, the Newport Bermuda Race has a new starting location just off the shoreline of Fort Adams State Park. This exciting shift in venue provides an opportunity to cheer on the 170 boats starting the 636-mile Thrash to the Onion Patch. Free and open to the public, the Starting Line Party is Friday, June 21 from 12 to 4 pm.
© Daniel Forster
Visitors will enjoy an immersive experience with live coverage, aerial views on an outdoor screen, and commentary from North Sails President and current Bermuda Race record holder Ken Read and professional sailor and coach Jesse Fielding. The Live Show will begin with the first start of the Race at 2 pm. and will be streamed on bermudarace.com.
Admittance and parking for the race village are free, and alternative transportation via Providence Ferry, Jamestown Ferry, and Water Taxis is available. The park will have Food Trucks and a Regatta Bar showcasing New England fare, Goslings Rum from Bermuda, and Whalers Beer from Rhode Island. This family-friendly event will also feature:
• The Ravers, a Newport reggae band, performing from 12 to 1:30 pm
• Newport Artillery demonstration concluding in a cannon to signal the start of the Race at 2 pm
• A PGA Trophy photo op and putting green experience
• Sustainability and other non-profit education booths
• Race gear shopping
• Oliver Hazard Perry tall ship tours
• Tours of 200-year-old Fort Adams
Race Organizers ask visitors to view the full schedule and RSVP for free on Eventbrite for updates and planning assistance. ■