Safety review for Newport Bermuda Race

The biennial Newport to Bermuda Race had dismastings, abandonments, and assorted retirements in 2024, prompting a review of the safety incidents that occurred during the race and return passages.

The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee, in collaboration with the Cruising Club of America and US Sailing, has been collecting information and assessing the events to understand the circumstances and implications, which includes but is not limited to the multiple boat sinkings.

“Our interest is in finding the facts of all safety incidents that occurred during the race so lessons can be learned for the sport and safety in the future,” said Andrew Kallfelz, Race Chair.

“What we do know now is that safety-at-sea training was vital to the successful outcome for the rescue of all sailors,” said Kallfelz. “While offshore sailing, especially in the Gulf Stream, is inherently unpredictable, we can and should manage the things that are within our control. That includes building a culture of safety, our safety preparation and onboard behaviors.”

BROC will continue to collect incident data and encourage anyone who participated in the 2024 Newport Bermuda Race to contribute their experiences (click here). All input is invaluable in helping us achieve a comprehensive understanding of all incidents to help shape the safety preparation for future races.