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One month until the Starting Line Festival kicks off 2026 Newport Bermuda Race

by Bermuda Race Media 20 May 12:43 UTC From June 19, 2026
Starting Line Festival at Fort Adams © Lexi Pline

Why this is the must-see moment to kick off Newport Summer 2026

  • A Centennial Celebration: 2026 marks 100 years of partnership between Cruising Club of America & Royal Bermuda Yacht Club co-organizing one of the largest & oldest international sailing events in the world.

  • The Best Seat on the East Coast: Watch 150+ boats launch on a biennial 636-mile journey from Fort Adams, a natural amphitheater framed by the Newport Bridge and iconic lighthouses.

  • America's Sailing Capital: Newport, RI is a captivating blend of coastal charm, walkable streets, and rich maritime heritage. Creating a vibrant waterfront for a perfect summer escape.

  • Storytelling & New Perspectives: Live commentary and big screen will bring the action and stories from the water to the shoreline—so you'll be able to follow and enjoy every moment.

  • A Friday Afternoon Playtime and Party: As the first official day of summer for most local schools, enjoy food trucks, bars, live music, kids' zone with activities, shopping, and exhibits from local partners—all in one festive waterfront setting.

  • The Fast-Growing Summer Tradition: In 2024, the first year of the new starting party 4,000 spectators attended in person, and over 12,000 joined online. 2026 is expected to be even bigger!

The Starting Line Festival is free and open to the public 11-4, but please register on Eventbrite for our planning purposes and to get it on your calendar!

RSVP and learn more

Starting Line Festival at Fort Adams - photo © Lexi Pline
Starting Line Festival at Fort Adams - photo © Lexi Pline
Starting Line Festival at Fort Adams - photo © Lexi Pline
Starting Line Festival at Fort Adams - photo © Lexi Pline

How to get to Fort Adams

We encourage you to carpool, take your bike, or take available ferry services as the parking lot is expected to fill up quickly!

By Bike:

  • 72 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI 02840
  • Bike parking available on site with racks thanks to BikeNewport
  • Help us decrease traffic, carbon emissions, and parking stress for you and the whole community.
  • Visit Bike Newport for resources on parking, routes, and more

By Sea:

  • Seastreak Ferry from Providence
    • Daily leaves Providence 9:30a, 12:30p
    • Daily leaves Newport 6:30p, 9:20p
    • Bikes travel for free!

  • Newport Harbor Shuttle
    • Explore Newport Harbor in Comfort. Hop on and off at any stop, all day long! Family-friendly, scenic, and affordable harbor shuttle service. Wheelchair Accessible
      • $18 Ride All Day/ $6 Children under 12
    • Channel 68 on VHF Or Call 401-847-9109 to hail

  • Jamestown Ferry
    • Daily leaves Jamestown at 10:30, 12:00, 1:30, and 3:00
    • Daily leaves Fort Adams 11:30, 1:00, 2:30, and 4:00
    • $34 all day / $22 for children

By Car:

  • 72 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI 02840
  • Parking is free and our parking team will direct you where to park.
  • Uber and Lyft are widely available in the area, and drop off/pick up is available in a reserved space feet from the event entrance

Schedule of events

11:00 AM - Festival Opens
11:00 AM - 12:45 PM - Live Music from RikiRocksteady All Stars
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Food Trucks Open
11:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Beer Garden Open—Featuring Whalers Beer & Goslings Rum
Beer garden is 21+ to drink but anyone under 21 can enter if accompanied by an adult.

All day activities (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

Exhibits & Partner Tents

  • Cruising Club of America
  • Ørsted
  • Sailors for the Sea
  • Panexplore
  • Tasca Cars
  • Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
  • Sail Beyond Cancer
  • Ocean State Sensing
  • Cay Electronics
  • Southcoast Health

Kid Zone

  • Conanicut Island Sailing Foundation games & activities
  • Ørsted wind turbine toy building
  • Rhode Island FC

Shopping

  • Official Newport Bermuda Race gear from Team One Newport & Helly Hansen

Live Race Coverage

12:45 PM
Starting Line Live Show Presented by Ørsted Begins
Live commentary and race coverage on the big screen throughout Fort Adams.
RACE STARTS

1:00 PM
First Warning Signal: Newport Artillery cannon fires to begin the countdown.

1:10 PM
First Start: First class crosses the line for Bermuda.

Every 10 Minutes
Additional classes start.

3:30 PM
Entire Fleet Officially Underway to Bermuda

Food trucks, bars, and festival activities continue through 4:30 PM

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