The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC) has officially released the Notice of Race for the 2026 Bermuda Gold Cup, taking place from October 13-18, 2026. A premier championship stage on the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), this year's regatta features a $50,000 prize purse and marks the highly anticipated racing debut of RBYC’s brand-new fleet of Fareast 28R match racing boats.
The introduction of the high-performance Fareast 28R fleet represents a transformative milestone for this historic event, stepping into the shoes of the iconic International One Design (IOD) fleet that defined the Gold Cup's legacy for decades. Transitioning from the heavy, traditional full-keel IODs, the modern Fareast 28R racing platforms are renowned for their lightweight agility, high planing speeds, and strict one-design uniformity. This evolution from classic displacement sailing to high-speed racing will present a fresh, highly dynamic tactical challenge on Hamilton Harbour. Crucially, the lighter handling underpins a strong commitment to diversity, with organizers aiming to fill the 12-team roster with a minimum of four top-tier women’s teams, showcasing the highest level of female talent on the world tour.
This world-class sporting spectacle is made possible through the generous and longstanding support of sponsors; the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) and RenaissanceRe. Their partnership ensures that Bermuda continues to stand out as a premier global destination for competitive sailing, while fostering opportunities for top athletes from across the globe.
With the Notice of Race now published, the skipper selection process has formally commenced. Due to high demand for the 12 available spots, interested teams are encouraged to urgently submit their requests for an invitation by contacting the RBYC sailing office at sailing@rbyc.bm
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