Navigator’s Log #6

June 19, 2026

Race Day Morning

It is now about five hours until the start of the 2026 Newport to Bermuda Race, and the docks have settled into that familiar calm of race day morning.

At 0530, the only people moving around seemed to be the navigators, boat captains, and divers — the quiet few making their final checks before the dance begins. There is always something special about this part of the day. The preparation is mostly done, the noise has not yet started, and for a short while the boats sit quietly, waiting for their crews and waiting for the start.

A few of us went to the final weather briefing this morning, and yes — a route plan has been set. As with any Bermuda Race, the ocean will have the final say, but we have our big-picture plan, our first moves, and the areas we will be watching closely once we get offshore.

In about an hour and a half, the crew will begin arriving in force. The sails will be put into their final order, gear will be checked one more time, and we will hold the team briefing covering watch rotations, weather, safety, and the overall game plan for Running Tide.

Until then, it is time for the last-minute calls home, the final calls into work, maybe even one last quick nap if anyone can manage it.

But the waiting is nearly over.

It is time to get going.

— Jonesy
Navigator, Running Tide
2026 Newport to Bermuda Race