Marion Bermuda Race…
Now’s the time and we’re here to help.
Start of the 2019 Marion Bermuda Race © Spectrum Photo/Fran Grenon
Ocean racing is not easy, but a well-designed, well managed race can make it an experience of a lifetime. The Marion Bermuda Race touches all of the bases when looking for that bucket list adventure. So, what does it take to realize your dream? You are new to offshore racing but you are an experienced sailor who wants to make the leap from coastal racing/cruising to an offshore passage. You have a well-founded boat that is properly equipped for such a trip, and you have a good crew that are competent and enthusiastic to join you. So, how can the Marion Bermuda Race help you realize your dream?
The crew of Tabor Academy’s 115-foot gaff-rigged schooner Tabor Boy celebrates their finish. © Spectrum Photo/Fran Grenon
Marion Bermuda’s Co-Pilot program assigns an experienced race skipper to help with all aspects of race preparation from registration to boat inspection to final review, all developed to get you to the start line fully prepared. Over the years, the Co-Pilot program has helped hundreds of first-time skippers in putting their plan together that may have missed the opportunity otherwise.
This year’s race is also offering in addition to an ORR division a PHRF division. There are many very capable round-the-buoy racers that own fast, well-designed boats that would like to take the next step and experience an offshore race. PHRF skippers will be racing under PHRF- New England Spinnaker ratings.
For information regarding the Co-Pilot program, go to copilot@marionbermuda.com. For other questions about the race, email race@marionbermuda.com. Start date of the next Marion Bermuda Race is June 20, 2025.
To learn more, visit marionbermuda.com and register now!
Continuing in ways to fully prepare yourself, your crew and your boat, the Northeast Ocean Race Symposium is here to help. An in-person only event will feature presentations by marine industry leaders and renowned speakers on a range of topics sure to be of interest to ocean racers and cruisers alike.
This full day event will again be held at Bentley University in Waltham, MA on March 22, 2025. The cost for the day, which includes lunch and sailing-related exhibitors, is $210 per person. The Marion Bermuda Race, as the lead organizer, is joined by the Marblehead-Halifax, Bermuda 1-2, and the Newport Bermuda Race as sponsors. As this is an odd-year symposium, we will have three parallel breakout sessions for the Marion Bermuda Race, the Marblehead Halifax Race and short-handed topics presented by the Bermuda 1-2 Race.
Sessions include:
* Approaches to Offshore Route Planning
* Alternative Energy Generation Options for Offshore Sailboats
* An Update on Rope and Line Technology
* Sail Materials, Selection, and Offshore Repairs
* Offshore Personal Kit Options – Gear, Boots and Gloves
* An Incident Report from the Newport Bermuda Race
* Crew Recruitment, Selection, Alignment, and Care
For more information and to register, visit marionbermuda.com/NORS/
R/C Model Boat 2025 Nationals to be hosted by Sail Newport
Sail Newport, Rhode Island’s Public Sailing Center, has been selected to host a unique national sailing event next year with the remote-controlled DragonFlite95 (DF95) National Championship. The regatta will occur October 16-19, 2025, and will be the first radio-controlled national championship in Newport.
© Dave Hansen/Sail Newport
“The DF95 USA Executive Board is very excited to work with Sail Newport and Executive Director Brad Read for what we are sure will be the top destination radio sailing regatta of 2025. The DF95 USA class has evolved from fierce one-design racing into one of the most competitive and popular radio sailing fleets in the country,” says Chuck LeMahieu (McKinney, TX), member of the DF95 Executive Board and the U.S. DF95 distributor.
Organized by Sail Newport in association with The Newport Model Sailing Club (NMSC), the 2025 DF95 National Championship will gather 60 of the country’s top one-design radio control sailors. The DF95 Class sets a 60-boat maximum for their Nationals event, each skipper having qualified at various regional events around the U.S. The competition will be fierce as boats race in rotating flights, using the promotion/relegation scoring method.
“Our rigorous Nationals qualifying process is due to the popularity of the DF95 fleet across all regions of the USA,” LeMahieu added. “Newport, Rhode Island, is the heart of sailing in America, and we are proud to have this legendary venue host the most actively sailed radio sailing class in the USA.”
Depending on wind direction, the 95cm model boats will race off Sail Newport in Fort Adams State Park close to shore or nearby, providing prime spectating opportunities. Every region of the U.S. will be represented by competitors, and organizers will also invite international competitors. The age of sailors ranges from 16 to 90 years old.
Sailors to watch at the 2025 nationals include two-time defending DF95 USA National Champion Peter Feldman (Harrison Township, MI), who is fresh off his top-five finish at the International One Metre (IOM) Worlds. Peter also recently won the prestigious Jack Brown Trophy, sailing a DF95 at last year’s U.S. Sailing Championship of Champions regatta.
Other top-ranked DF95 skippers will likely include previous DF95 USA National Champions Mark Golison (Long Beach, CA) and Dennis Rogers (San Diego, CA), Steve Landeau (Pooler, GA), Sean Fidler (Brighton, MI), Tony Gonsalves (Hollywood, FL), and Ken Read (Portsmouth, RI), who have finished in the top five of previous DF95 Nationals and IOM USA Nationals.
The DF 95 is the fastest-growing radio-controlled one-design sailboat in the world. Sail Newport is proud to have helped the growth of the class, with nearly 100 boats sold in the Newport area since 2020. The NMSC was born out of the 2020 pandemic and quickly grown. On any given weekend in the winter, between ten and twenty-five avid “thumb sailors” are at Sail Newport competing on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
“This type of racing is a blast!” enthuses Brad Read, Sail Newport’s Executive Director. “It keeps you sharp for the other kinds of sailboats you race. I have had the pleasure of going to a few DF95 events, including a National Championship, and the competition is unbelievable. We look forward to welcoming the DF95 sailors from around the country to Newport and Sail Newport.” To learn more, visit dfracingusa.com and sailnewport.org.
Velocitek Unveils the RTK Puck: The Future of Race Management Technology
California-based performance instrument maker, Velocitek, is proud to announce the RTK Puck, a stern mounted RTK GPS receiver – delivering pingless distance to start, synchronized time to start, position, and heading with unprecedented accuracy.
Building on over two years of development and successful proof-of-concept deployments at the New York Yacht Club and St. Francis Yacht Club, the Velocitek RTK Puck sets a new standard for race management. The system utilizes RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) GPS technology to achieve an astonishing 1.8 cm positional accuracy—far surpassing the tolerances of conventional systems, which can vary by up to 1 meter.
“For serious racing ‘close enough’ doesn’t cut it,’” said Alec Stewart, CEO of Velocitek. “With the RTK Puck, we’ve created an accurate, reliable and intuitive system that transforms how Race Committees and sailors experience competition.”
Proven Results at Elite Events
Velocitek’s RTK GPS technology debuted in September 2024 at the New York Yacht Club’s Resolute Cup. The system supported 22 races over four days for 28 competitors, achieving zero General Recalls and running 100% of starts under the P-flag—a level of efficiency rarely seen in competitive sailing.
The following week, the same technology was instrumental during the IC37 North American Championship, where challenging conditions and tight schedules tested the race management team. On the final day, despite a strict time limit, the race committee managed to squeeze in four races in demanding conditions. The automated OCS call and notification system were crucial to achieve zero general recalls—even in a start where half the fleet was OCS.
“I’ve been involved in trialing Velocitek’s race management technology for the last two years. The accuracy improvements I’ve seen are remarkable. The Velocitek RTK system offers race officials the accuracy needed for fair and accurate start line calls at every level of the sport.” – Tom Duggan, International Race Officer and PRO at 2024 IC37 North American Championship
Accuracy Redefined
Developed in collaboration with the world’s most exacting Race Committees, the RTK Puck brings the power of elite race management technology to a broader audience. It is the first system of its kind available outside the America’s Cup and SailGP. With wired and wireless options, the RTK Puck is versatile, reliable, and designed for events ranging from local club series to world championships.
“Whether you’re managing a local club regatta or a world championship, the RTK Puck ensures fairness and transparency at every start,” said Charles Swanson, Velocitek CMO.
Experience the Difference
Velocitek invites sailors and race officers to redefine their expectations for race management. With the RTK Puck, accuracy and fairness are no longer aspirations—they’re guaranteed. The Velocitek RTK Puck will be available in the second half of 2025. For more information, visit velocitek.com/rtkpuck or email sales@velocitek.com.
Marex Boats Announces North American Operations
Marex Boats, a Norwegian boat builder with production facilities in Lithuania, is proud to announce the establishment of operations and sales in North America. The new office, located in Greenwich, CT, will be led by Christopher Hughes, President of Marex Boats USA, Inc.
With over two decades in the luxury yachting industry as a builder, consultant, and a sales and marketing strategist for world-famous brands, Hughes is a natural fit. With extensive knowledge of the U.S. boatbuilding industry and comprehensive understanding of the Norwegian luxury brand, he will oversee all U.S. operations and Marex’s expansion into this new market.
Chris Hughes
“Marex Boats was established as a family company by my father in 1973, and after fifty years of constant development we are ready to bring the Marex brand to the U.S.,” said Espen Aalrud, CEO of Marex Boats. “Our mission is to build the world’s best family cruisers, and we’re committed to solutions that provide a luxurious yet safe and enjoyable feeling for each family member. That core value is reflected in how we build long-term relationships with our partners and owners. We’re excited that Chris has joined our Marex family to build a trusted, customer-focused team in America.”
Marex has partnered with Sandy Hook Yacht Sales, headquartered in Sea Bright, NJ, and Brewer Yacht Sales, headquartered in Westbrook, CT, to lead the first phase of the entry into the U.S. market. “With multiple offices covering eight states, these partners will allow us to support the customers we sell to with the highest level of service expected by discerning boaters,” said Hughes.
One of the world’s most awarded boatbuilders, Marex has earned accolades for ergonomics, innovations, quality, sea handling, and many other categories. The current fleet consists of the 310 Sun Cruiser, considered the “biggest 31-foot yacht,” the 330 Scandinavia, hailed for her performance and use of space, the 360 Cabriolet Cruiser, considered the best-in-class family cruising boat, the 375 Marex, renowned for her versatile and clever design, and the flagship 440 Gourmet Cruiser, with the biggest galley in its class and numerous cutting-edge solutions.
Among many distinguishing features, every Marex is a unique three-season boat with two sliding sunroofs and the ingenious Smart Enclosure system that allows owners to close off the aft cockpit in less than a minute with no hooks, snaps, or buttons. The enclosure stores neatly in a dedicated hideaway compartment when it’s time to open back up.
The first boats will arrive in winter 2025 and be available for onboard visits and sea trials in Florida at the St. Petersburg Boat Show, Naples Boat Show, and Palm Beach Boat Show. Marex is currently accepting dealer inquiries. For more information, visit marex.no or contact Chris Hughes at 203-253-2836 or chris@marex.no.
IYRS School of Technology & Trades Acquires New Marine Systems Training Equipment
By Julia McCann, IYRS Marketing Director
IYRS School of Technology & Trades, based in Newport RI, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Yamaha mid-range and portable engines, as well as a test tank, for its Marine Systems Program, made possible by a grant from The Champlin Foundation. These acquisitions help advance IYRS’s mission to equip students with the hands-on skills needed in today’s marine industry. The new equipment enables IYRS to deliver enhanced curricula in portable and mid-range outboard systems. IYRS’s six-month Marine Systems Program teaches students how to build, repair, and maintain modern powerboat and sailboat systems, including electrical, plumbing, electronics, navigation, fuel systems, and diesel and outboard engines.
“The engines and equipment we were able to purchase through the grant really improves the way we can teach outboards and standardizes the education the students receive,” said Marine Systems Program Manager Spencer Dodds. “We’re now able to teach students on new equipment and technology that really feels more like an outboard dealer and less like a hobby shop.”
IYRS students earn up to eight certifications, including three Yamaha certifications: Introduction to Outboard Systems, Portable Maintenance, and Mid-Range Maintenance. These certifications were incorporated in response to feedback from IYRS’s Program Advisory Committee, composed of leaders in the marine systems industry. IYRS Marine Systems graduates work in boatyards, marinas, and private companies as systems technicians, electricians, or inboard and outboard engine technicians. Many alumni also pursue roles as engineers on research vessels and privately-owned or chartered yachts, while others transfer their skills beyond the marine industry.
Industry-standard equipment helps prepare IYRS students to thrive in high-demand careers, and supports Rhode Island’s next generation of skilled tradespeople. The program enrolls in March and September with priority admission and scholarship deadlines on January 15 and July 15. Those interested in learning more can email IYRS admissions at admissions@iyrs.edu.
In 2024, 90 percent of students had jobs upon graduation. Nearly 80 percent of IYRS students receive financial assistance. Those interested in learning more about scholarship opportunities can visit iyrs.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships-grants.
More about IYRS’s Marine Systems program can be found at iyrs.edu/admissions. For more information, visit iyrs.edu or visit us on Facebook @IYRS.Training.Programs or Instagram @iyrsedu.
New Inflatable Sailboats for 2025: Meet the MiniCat 520 Explorer & Happy Cat Star Carbon
By Noah Kain
MiniCat 520 Explorer
Red Beard Sailing is excited to announce the addition of two new boats to its fleet, the MiniCat 520 Explorer and the Happy Cat Star Carbon. These boats expand the offerings of two of the most trusted and beloved inflatable boat brands into new territory.
The MiniCat 520 Explorer features multi-chamber hulls, waterproof ‘saddle bags,’ and the introduction of the MiniCat ‘Pod.’ The Pod is a tent designed by MiniCat specifically for the 520 Explorer that attaches directly to the boat frame on the front trampoline with four straps in the corners, making it easy to install and remove. Made to be waterproof, the Pod adds a new layer of versatility. It can be packed into its own lightweight bag, and can be mounted for the entire duration of your sail or folded down to reduce wind resistance.
With windows in all directions, the Pod makes it easy for you and your crew to maintain visibility whether you’re on your boat overnight or on shore. The ventilation system and controlled drain help prevent condensation from reaching the floor.
As you would expect from a beach cat with a cabin, this boat is designed for expedition-style sailing. The original design and use case was created for Dave King of Arctic Alive for the purpose of embarking on an historic Arctic expedition.
In addition to the Pod, the 520 Explorer is also the fastest boat in the MiniCat fleet, has the ability to mount an outboard, and boasts an impressive 1,322 lbs weight capacity. The aptly named Explorer is truly one-of-a-kind and is available for pre-order with expected delivery in March/April of 2025.
The Happy Cat Star Carbon takes the expected performance from the Happy Cat brand to a whole new level. Featuring a full carbon frame, mast, bowsprit, braces, and crossbar, the Star Carbon weighs 25% less than the Happy Cat Hurricane, checking in at just 141 lbs (64kg).
Happy Cat Star Carbon
The lightweight Star Carbon allows speeds of over 20 knots while maintaining stability and with very little drift. This high-performing inflatable provides enough space for 2 adults and 2 children, and with a boomless mainsail and roller furling jib it’s a perfect boat to learn sailing on. A wide range of accessories includes a reinforced foredeck, 2-piece rear deck, quick release launching wheels, an engine mount for a small outboard, sun canopy, and more.
The 124-square foot laminated tri-radial sails are designed to provide high dimensional stability and high performance. Check them out at RedBeardSailing.com. ■
Look for more What’s New in March!
