NEWS: Nick Nicholson Chosen to Lead '08 Race

I like the focus on small boats vs. the $$ sleds. Read on...

Nick Nicholson, Practical Sailor Editor-at-Large, member of the Volvo Ocean Race Rule Management Group, and international racing navigator, has been selected to chair the next (46th) Bermuda Race, starting from Newport Rhode Island on June 20, 2008.

Nicholson served as vice-chairman for the record-breaking centennial race that saw 264 yachts at the start in Newport in June 2006. The appointment comes from Commodore Ned Rowland of the Cruising Club of America and Commodore Andrew Cox of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. The two clubs have been co-organizers of the Race since 1926.

In accepting the task of following in the wake of the centennial event, Nicholson knows he has his hands full to keep the numbers up and maintain a quality fleet.

"The greatness of the Newport Bermuda Race stems not from the glamour maxi boats that spend a fortune in order to be first over the line, but from the programs of Cal 40s, JBoats, Swans, Beneteau, and other small boats which form the majority of the fleet. They work hard at preparing their boats and sail the best they can, all knowing they have a shot at being the real winners," Nicholson commented.

"We will work hard to grow the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Division, allowing professional racing programs to participate in their own division, with its own highly-respected trophy. This will protect and encourage the amateur St. David's Lighthouse Division, the cruiser/racer group that is the base of the Newport Bermuda fleet."