From the June 18th start in Newport to finish in Bermuda 635 miles later, this classic ocean race is almost a spectator sport.
There are many ways to watch the Friday afternoon start in Newport. The shore-side view is spectacular and comfortable. Many people watch the start from Castle Hill, right at the start of Ocean Drive. Others watch from the Jamestown shore, where the best viewing is at Fort Wetherill State Park. Beavertail State Park in Jamestown is also an option, but a little further away from the line.
A variety of vessels are available for charter in Newport. If you visit the various Newport web sites dedicated to tourism and business, you will find many listed. Numerous tourist vessels take visitors out on the water for tours, and a number of these may have special trips available specifically to watch the start of the race. Again, check the many tourist web sites for Newport.
Hundreds of private yachts spend the afternoon watching the start. Joining a friend or family member who has a boat in Newport and plans to be on the water for the day is a great way to see the race.
During the race, digital spectators can watch the progress of the race on their computers by logging on to iBoattrack through the Newport Bermuda Race web site www.bermudarace.com/ or through iBoat’s own web http://www.iboattrack.com/.
Down in Bermuda, the best spot to watch the yachts finish in Bermuda is from the grounds of St. David's Lighthouse. Visitors will find that the Finish Line Committee is very hospitable and depending on the finishing traffic, they may be invited up into the tower for a tour. It is a straight up climb and not for people afraid of heights. The view from the lawn is almost as good and worth the trip to St. David’s.
The HD Gateway Finish Line Cam is new for 2010. From the high definition camera mounted on the St. David’s Lighthouse tower, finish line action will be streamed worldwide 24/7. Spectators can use iBoattrack to follow their boat of interest to the finish, then actually watch them cross the line when they arrive.
|
