Bermuda could have as many as four entries in this year’s Newport to Bermuda Race.

Metolius and Crossfire are the only two local entries confirmed, while Bermuda Oyster and Spirit of Bermuda are still undergoing screening for yacht, skipper and crew qualifications.

Dr Stephen Sherwin has chartered Metolius, a Frers Custom design, for the 635-nuatical mile race, while Brian Hillier’s J-125 Crossfire is making its second straight appearance in the race.

Sherwin’s Corby 41.5 Nasty Medicine was the first local yacht to reach the island in the previous “Thrash to the Onion Patch” while Hillier’s J-125 became the first St George’s Dinghy & Sports Club yacht to take part in the race.

Bermuda Sloop Foundation’s Spirit of Bermuda has appeared in the previous two Newport to Bermuda races while Paul Hubbard’s Bermuda Oyster is poised to make its first appearance in the race since 2010.

As of February 16, joint Race organisers Cruising Club of America and Royal Bermuda Yacht Club has received 179 applications for entry, of which 160 have been invited to enter.

Organisers expect to reach the new 200-boat limit, a 22 per cent increase from the previous race. Leatrice Oatley, the RBYC commodore, suggested that the spike in entries could be attributed to Bermuda being awarded the 35th America’s Cup.

“I think it’s amazing we now have 179 entrants, some of which are pending,” she said.

“Everybody wants to come to Bermuda to see what’s going on with America’s Cup, and what better way to come down here with your own boat to visit the site and see what’s going on. Hopefully they will come back for 2017.

“Sailing is always a good boost to the economy. After five days at sea most sailors use the hotel facilities, taxis, restaurants and the stores, so there’s a huge impact that sailing brings to the economy of the island.”

This year marks the 50th ocean race co-organised by the RBYC since 1906 and the 90th year of the partnership between the RBYC and the Cruising Club of America.

Oately said preparations for the race, which starts on June 17, have gone reasonably well.

“Most of the Newport logistics are done while the Bermuda logistics are ticking along,” she added. “We are the end of the race, so we need to make sure that everything is ready and available for when they get here.”

• Olympians and 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race participants Sally Barkow and Annie Lush will be on hand at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club today to conduct an inspirational talk and video presentation.

The theme of today’s event, to be held from 4pm to 8pm, is empowering and inspiring women through supporting elite success.

For more details contact 295-2214.