Given the size of the Narragansett Bay and the multitude of clubs hosting races, a skipper typically has to factor in time and expense in getting to and from the starting and finishing areas around the bay. That’s why our friends at the Narragansett Bay Yachting Association developed its ‘Round the Bay Race, now in its second year.
This innovative regatta is being held on Saturday, June 18 in conjunction with the Barrington, Bristol, East Greenwich, Ida Lewis, IYAC, and Wickford Yacht Clubs. This regatta allows skippers and crew to spend more time navigating the racecourse and less time navigation pre- and post- race logistics. With RCs starting racers simultaneously near Barrington/Bristol, East Greenwich, Newport, and Wickford, all racers’ ports of call will be just a short distance to their starting line, meaning a later dock call for all. And, maybe more importantly, as the race will end at the location in which the racer chooses as their start, crews will be happy to know that they will be back ashore with plenty of time to enjoy the post-race festivities.
The regatta will include a 32-mile “crazy eight” course option from each starting location, as well as two circumnavigation options around Conanicut and Prudence Islands. Awards will be given to boats from each starting area, plus overall awards for each course, and there will be parties after the race.
For more information and to register, visit nbya.org/round-the-bay. ■
