The Preliminary Notice of Race for the 2008 Newport Bermuda Race has been published. Highlights of changes for 2008 include:

• A reduction in the number of professional crew permitted in the St. David’s Lighthouse and Cruiser divisions;
• A new IRC trophy—the North Rock Trophy-- for boats in the St. David’s and Gibbs Hill Lighthouse divisions who choose dual scoring under ORR and IRC;
• Permitting the use of power winches in the Open (formerly Demonstration) Division.

For 2008, the signature St. David’s Lighthouse and Gibbs Hill Lighthouse trophies will be awarded under ORR. All boats in the Newport Bermuda fleet will be scored under ORR, with optional dual scoring under IRC in the St. David’s Lighthouse and Gibbs Hill Lighthouse divisions.

The Official Notice of Race will be posted when changes to the 2008-2009 ISAF Offshore Special Regulations are finalized.

Watch www.bermudarace.com for the opening date for online registration for the 2008 race. The 2008 Newport Bermuda Race starts on June 20, 2008, beginning the second century of racing to Bermuda.

 Preliminary Notice of Race