Bigger boats for Bermuda Race

Newport Bermuda Race 2002 announces new size limit matching IMA Maxi Class

Will a new breed of ILC Maxis break the Newport Bermuda Race Record in 2002? The answer is a positive "maybe." It's very possible.

Records may fall because the race will be open to bigger and faster Maxis.The classic ocean race will still limit entries to those yachts conforming to the IMA Maxi limits, but the Maxi limits have been expanded to include more of the big boats actually racing or wanting to race in events worldwide.

According to 2002 Bermuda Race Organizing Committee Chairman John S. Winder, "Newport Bermuda 2002 will be in compliance with existing international standards for Maxi yachts, and we will be able to open the Race to several existing and new boats whose size and speed exceeded the old limitations." Winder noted, "other races such as Sydney Hobart 2000, have adopted the change and that under the new limits yachts racing in the other great ocean races, the Transpac and Fastnet, should be able to compete in the Newport Bermuda Race as well."

The International Maxi Association (IMA) voted to change the ILC Maxi rating system. They did this because of a declining numbers of level rating boats in their regattas and a strong desire by the owners to open up the class to differing types of boats. In order to accomplish this, IMA has gone to a single-number rating limit.

The old rule used a 10th limit, which was an average of nine speed limits. Last year's 10th limit was set at a maximum rating of 489.5 seconds per mile. The ILC average limit has now been increased to 470 seconds per mile and the nine other limits dropped.

The result of these changes is that several boats will now be eligible to race in the IMA Maxi regattas. This would include such as Pyewacket and My Song, which were both faster than the old limits. It also means that boats such as Sagamore or Boomerang can add stability and sail area or can substantially decrease displacement. The 19.5 second per mile change is a large increase in speed.The next Newport Bermuda Race 2002 will start June 14 2002.