Publisher: Mystic Seaport and Cruising Club of America
Publication Date: 2006
Revered today as one of ocean racing’s sternest trials, the Bermuda Race began modestly in 1906 when three cruising yachts left New York simultaneously to race to Bermuda. Their route, and that of subsequent races, took them through waters notorious for their climatic and oceanographic complexity, and requiring a close understanding of ocean currents and weather patterns.
John Rousmaniere’s centenary history traces the impact of this, the earliest of all ocean races, on the design of large yachts. Various strategies are examined for crossing the Gulf Stream, straddled by the route of the Race. Eminent skippers, including Rod and Olin Stephens, generously shared their experiences of the Race in ‘Yachting’ magazine, one of the principal sources for this text.
The year 1926 saw the first British entry, when George Martin sailed Jolie Brise across the Atlantic in 48 days to join the Race in gratitude to America for creating ocean racing and inspiring the Fastnet Race. Six years later the crew of Jolie Brise entered again and saved crew from another competitor on fire, earning world-wide attention for the Race and medals for her crew.
John Rousmaniere has sailed seven Bermuda races and writes feelingly about the privations endured by participants, and the keen sense of fellowship. Interspersed into his text are profiles of eminent skippers and Race officials, with tips on ‘How to win a Bermuda Race’. The Rosenfeld photographic collection at Mystic Seaport provides many of the excellent illustrations. Sources of information are listed, and there is a comprehensive index. -
JCR.