St Maarten - Bermuda Offshore Passage

May 25 - June 1 

Get onboard with Ocean Racers for a true open ocean passage!  A similar route to the Antigua Bermuda Ocean Race, this is one of our favorite courses for our Pogo 12.50 Hermes, traditionally reaching and downwind conditions, where Hermes and crew are all having a blast. 

The St Maarten - Bermuda course is pretty straightforward, with few obstacles between the islands except the big blue Atlantic Ocean. We will begin our journey from Simpson Bay, saying farewell to neighboring islands of St. Barths and Anguilla, as we position ourselves for the best course to finish off St David’s Light Bermuda. The approximate distance is 935 nm of pure open ocean.

Anticipate easterly or south-easterly winds for the first half of the passage, and enjoy some sweet reaching and downwind surfing conditions. But don’t expect the whole course to be a breeze, as there are likely light southerly winds in the Horse Latitudes and anything goes as we approach Bermuda. The focus will be on performance sailing: optimizing crew driving and trimming skills, weather routing, and comparing data from previous years' race courses. 

Ocean Racers team competed in the inaugural Antigua Bermuda Race edition in 2017, and won 3rd place CSA in 2019! We have years of historic data to reference and measure team performance against, to simulate a real ocean race while providing a learning environment  for all onboard. 

This offshore passage is suitable for those with a strong sailing foundation who wish to build miles and experience offshore. All safety and foul weather gear are provided -- we make it easy for you to just pack up your sailing bag and hop onboard. Apply as an individual or with a sailing friend!