Newport Bermuda Race Starting Line Festival

2026 marks 100 years of partnership between Cruising Club of America & Royal Bermuda Yacht Club co-organizing one of the largest & oldest international sailing events in the world.

Watch 150+ boats launch on a biennial 636-mile journey from Fort Adams, a natural amphitheater framed by the Newport Bridge and iconic lighthouses.

Newport, RI is a captivating blend of coastal charm, walkable streets, and rich maritime heritage. Creating a vibrant waterfront for a perfect summer escape.

Live commentary and big screen graphics explain and bring the action and stories from the water to the shoreline—so you’ll be able to follow and enjoy every moment.

From 11-4 PM at Fort Adams, enjoy food trucks, bars, live music, kids’ zone with activities, shopping, and exhibits from local partners—all in one festive waterfront setting.

In 2024, the first year of the new starting party 4,000 spectators attended in person, and over 12,000 joined online. 2026 is expected to be even bigger!

Info: Free Parking at Fort Adams. Food Trucks and Regatta Bar Opens.

Info: Our hosts will provide live commentary for audiences around the world and for those gathered on the lawn. Follow along with stories and play-by-play coverage as they explain everything happening on the water — complete with bird’s-eye views and graphics displayed on the big screen in the park.

Info: The 150 boats will be broken into smaller groups, starting in waves 10 minutes apart, with the fastest boats starting first.

Info: Serving New England Fare: Lobster Rolls, Stuffies, Clam Cakes and Chowder along with local beer from Whalers and Dark and Stormies and Rum Punch from Bermuda's own Goslings Rum.

Info: - Visit the Oliver Hazard Perry, tall ship docked at the Fort
- Have your picture taken and listen to some pirate stories with Ambrose the Pirate
- Take a tour of the 200 year old Fort Adams
- Have your picture taken with the PGA Trophy and practice your putting
- Play a little corn hole
- View the 3 masted Arabella from a distance before she departs for Bermuda
- Sailors for the Sea in conjunction with our race Sustainability volunteers will have information at a tent near the entrance.

Info: Get your Race Fan Gear!

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Host or Publisher Bermuda Race Foundation