As many as 200 entries are expected to compete in the 52nd Newport Bermuda Race, organisers of the biennial event have announced.

The 635-nautical mile classic was due to be held last year but was cancelled for the first time in 80 years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It has been rescheduled to take place from June 17, 2022 with registration to commence later this month.

“We look forward to welcoming a large fleet of first timers and Gulf Stream veterans for the 52nd ‘Thrash to the Onion Patch’ next June,” Somers Kempe, the Bermuda Race Organising Committee chairman, said in a press release.

The race’s SailGate entry system will open one year in advance. Captains with accounts already set up in SailGate will be able to update their profile information in advance of the opening day of registration while all entrants will be able to begin their entry applications in earnest on June 18.

Entry fees are similar to 2020, with discounts offered for early entry. In addition, due to the goodwill of several race vendors who passed on contracted fees from 2020 to 2022, the BROC is able to provide 2022 entrants full credit for deposits paid by entrants for the 2020 race. Captains will find credits reflected in their current SailGate accounts.

The registration deadline expires on April 3, 2022 with prospective and committed competitors invited to register for the Entry Webinar to be held on June 15.

The one-hour Zoom meeting will cover the basics of using the SailGate system and provide question and answer opportunities.

Nearly all sponsors from last year have been retained while new sponsors have also come on board. Organisers have published a sponsor guide for any others interested.

“We appreciate the efforts of our sponsors and vendors to support this race through the challenges of the pandemic,” Kempe, the past Royal Bermuda Yacht Club commodore added.

The last time the Newport Bermuda Race was abandoned was in 1940 because of the Second World War.

Founded in 1906, it is the oldest regularly scheduled ocean race and is jointly organised by the Cruising Club of America and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club

George David’s 88-foot Juan K design Rambler 88was first across the line in 2018 – the leader of the 170 entries that competed in the 51st edition of the race.

For more details on the race visit bermudarace.com or e-mail info@bermudarace.com.