Newport RI to Bermuda
About
The Blue-Water Crossing: Newport to Bermuda in the Wake of Legends
Newport, Rhode Island to Bermuda | June 19th Departure
The Voyage
Few passages carry the historical weight and maritime tradition of the run from Newport to Bermuda. Timed to coincide with the renowned Newport Bermuda Race, this six-day offshore expedition places you on the same legendary course as the world’s most elite ocean racers. This is a 600-mile open-ocean crossing—a journey that demands unwavering focus, physical endurance, and the highest standards of seamanship.
Professional Distinction
This is an elite academic immersion designed for experienced sailors seeking to bridge the gap between coastal cruising and true blue-water voyaging. Under expert guidance, guests will achieve their U.S. Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification, Catamaran Endorsement, and the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC). Given the rigorous nature of this crossing, prospective participants are invited to submit a brief sailing résumé for consideration.
Expedition Highlights
In the Company of Classics: Experience the electric atmosphere of the Newport start and navigate the same Gulf Stream dynamics as the racing fleet, testing your tactical skills against one of the most respected ocean courses in existence.
True Blue-Water Mastery: Beyond mere distance, this passage is an introduction to the discipline of the open ocean. Master offshore weather routing, heavy-weather sail management, and the sophisticated navigation required when land is hundreds of miles astern.
The 24-Hour Rhythm: Night sailing is the heartbeat of this crossing. Participants will fully integrate into the vessel’s operation, standing watch and making critical command decisions through continuous day and night cycles.
Iconic Landfall: Arriving in Bermuda offers one of the most celebrated landfalls in the Atlantic. Your arrival in this historic cruising destination serves as a fitting conclusion to a serious, high-latitude passage.
Logistics & The Return Leg
The expedition commences in the sailing capital of Newport and concludes in Bermuda. Guests are responsible for their own travel to Newport and return from Bermuda.
Extended Opportunity: For those seeking to complete the full ocean circuit, we invite you to continue aboard for the five-day return passage to Newport—an unparalleled opportunity to double your offshore mileage and master the crossing in both directions.
A passage defined by distance, tradition, and the company you keep offshore.
Highlights
The Excess 14: A Performance-Driven Platform for Serious Passage Making
The Excess 14 is purpose-built for the mariner who values performance as much as comfort—making it exceptionally well-suited for the rigorous coastal and offshore passages offered across this program. While many modern catamarans are designed primarily as floating villas, the Excess 14 was engineered for the sailor who still finds joy in the act of navigation.
The Helmsman-First Philosophy Unlike traditional cruising catamarans that prioritize interior volume over sailing feel, the Excess line is engineered to be driven.
Direct Tactile Feedback: Twin aft steering stations feature a mechanical link that places you directly in touch with the boat. You feel the pressure in the sails, the changes in sea state, and the subtle shifts in wind—feedback that is critical when managing night watches and busy coastal approaches.
Unobstructed Command: This placement provides an uncompromising view of the sail plan and the horizon, ensuring the skipper remains connected to the environment rather than detached in a flybridge "cockpit."
Advanced Naval Architecture by VPLP Designed by VPLP—the legendary firm behind the world’s fastest racing trimarans—the Excess 14 features an innovative hull design optimized for versatility across the Gulf Stream, the open Atlantic, and the dynamic Northeast coast.
Asymmetrical Hulls: These reduce drag and improve "bite" on the water, allowing for superior upwind performance and consistent passage speeds that make weather windows easier to manage.
Efficiency Over Distance: Performance is not just about top speed; it is about control. The lighter displacement and refined sail plan allow the vessel to remain responsive and composed even in challenging offshore conditions.
Stability as a Performance Multiplier The inherent stability of the catamaran platform is a key factor in building offshore capability. By significantly reducing heel, the Excess 14 creates a sustainable environment for multi-day passages.
Reduced Fatigue: Crew members can stand watch, rest effectively, and maintain focus longer than on a monohull of similar size.
Low Center of Gravity: By keeping the boom and deck hardware lower, the vessel minimizes pitching, providing a steady platform for students mastering the discipline of the night watch.
Optimized for Offshore Autonomy Onboard systems and layouts are intentionally straightforward to support the objective of passage making.
Functional Living Underway: From clear sightlines to accessible controls, every inch of the living space is designed to work while the boat is moving, not just at anchor. The Pulse Line Advantage: Our configuration includes an extended mast and high-end rig, providing the power needed to maintain momentum across a 600-mile crossing without constant reliance on engines.
The Modern Luxury of Space The interior is a masterclass in modern, minimalist design—bright, ventilated, and highly functional. It provides a sophisticated retreat for a discerning clientele after a challenging watch, offering "performance without compromise and comfort without detachment."
The Excess 14 provides a balance that few boats achieve: a platform designed not just to take you there—but to make you a better sailor along the way.
Cancellation
At The Bluewater Academy, we are committed to delivering a smooth, enjoyable, and safe sailing experience. While we understand that plans can sometimes change, our booking policies are designed to ensure fairness and efficiency for all guests. All bookings are strictly non-refundable. However, in the event you are unable to make your scheduled trip, we offer a one-time rescheduling opportunity based on the next available date in our calendar. Guest-initiated cancellations made within 72 hours of departure may forfeit this rescheduling option. Refunds will only be considered under extraordinary circumstances and are granted solely at the discretion of The Bluewater Academy. In rare instances, schedule adjustments may be required due to factors such as maintenance needs or unfavorable operating conditions. In such cases, we will work to get you this information as soon as possible. We ask for as much notice as possible in the event of an emergency cancellation. While refunds are not typically issued, we strive to be understanding and flexible when truly unavoidable situations arise. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to providing you with a memorable experience on the water.
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