2024 Newport Bermuda Race to kick off at Fort Adams on June 21

Newport Bermuda Race © Daniel Forster / PPL

New! Trailblazing sailor and former race participant Cole Brauer joins Starting Line Party and Live Show

The Newport Bermuda Race will kick off with its Starting Line Party and Live Show, sponsored by diameterrsted. The event will be open to the public at Fort Adams from 12-4 p.m. on June 21, with live streaming available online from 2 p.m. This year marks a historic change as the race starts for the first time in its 118-year history just off the shoreline of Fort Adams State Park. Cole Brauer, the first American woman to sail solo around the world without assistance, will be part of the Live Show, offering commentary and signing posters during a meet-and-greet before the show. She joins North Sails president Ken Read and local professional sailor Jesse Fielding on the broadcast.

What: 2024 Newport Bermuda Race Starting Line Party and Live Show Powered by diameterrsted. All ages welcome and open to the public. Featuring entertainment, food for purchase and free parking. Also streaming live on bermudarace.com.

When: Friday, June 21, 2024, 12-4 p.m., live stream starting at 2 p.m.

Where: Fort Adams State Park - 80 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI, 02840

Who: Cole Brauer, Ken Read, and Jesse Fielding along with race sponsors, and other vendors

Brauer is no stranger to Rhode Island and the Newport to Bermuda Race course — she won the Bermuda 1-2, a shorthanded race on the same stretch of ocean just last June, and then prepared for her around-the-world race at Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard for the rest of the summer. She was also a coach in the last edition of the Newport Bermuda Race onboard a youth team. From 12-1 p.m., Brauer will meet with fans and sign commemorative race posters on the grounds of Fort Adams.

"The Newport to Bermuda race course has always held a special place in my heart," said Brauer. "I could not be more proud to help bring the race and the sport of sailing to a wider audience in Rhode Island—a place I consider a home away from home."

The Live Show and Party is made possible through the generous support of sponsors such as diameterrsted, North Sails, and Rhode Island Commerce—amongst many others.

"The Newport Bermuda Race not only showcases the incredible talent and skill of sailors from around the world but also highlights Rhode Island's rich maritime heritage. This event is a testament to the spirit of adventure and excellence that defines our communities, and we look forward to welcoming participants and spectators to experience all that our beautiful state has to offer," said Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner.

"There is no place quite like Rhode Island in the summer, and the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee is proud to contribute to our state's cultural landscape with the biennial Newport Bermuda Race," said Race Chair Andrew Kallfelz. "The Starting Line Live Show and Party will bring both new and seasoned sailing fans closer to the action, and add another exciting, family-friendly event to the Newport summer calendar."

Admittance and parking for the race village are free, and alternative transportation via Providence Ferry, Jamestown Ferry, and Newport Harbor Shuttle are also available. The park will feature local Food Trucks and a Regatta Bar showcasing New England fare, Goslings Rum from Bermuda, and Whalers Beer from Rhode Island. This family-friendly start to summer fun on Friday afternoon will also feature:

• The Ravers, a local Newport reggae band, performing from 12 to 1:30 pm
• Newport Artillery demonstration concluding in a cannon to signal the start of the Race at 2 pm
• A US Senior Golf Trophy photo op from US Golf and putting green experience
• Sustainability and other local non-profit education booths
• Race gear shopping
• Oliver Hazard Perry tall ship tours
• Tours of the 200-year-old Fort Adams

For more information visit bermudarace.com.