NEWPORT CATAMARAN FIELD GUIDE
In the Wake of Legends: A High‑Performance Catamaran Passage From Newport to Bermuda
A six‑day offshore crossing that follows the Newport Bermuda Race course, teaching offshore seamanship, night‑watch skills, and yielding formal catamaran and cruising certifications.
In the Wake of Legends: A High‑Performance Catamaran Passage From Newport to Bermuda.
Timed to coincide with the Newport Bermuda Race, this six‑day offshore expedition places experienced sailors on a classic ocean course—a roughly 600–636‑mile crossing that demands constant vigilance, night sailing proficiency, and the seamanship of true blue‑water voyaging.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Excess 14: A Performance‑First Platform
The program sails on the Excess 14, a helmsman‑first catamaran engineered for passage making rather than villa‑style comfort. Its VPLP hull lines, asymmetrical shapes, and lighter displacement prioritize control and efficiency across long ocean miles.
Sailing in the Wake of the Race Fleet
You start among the electric atmosphere of the Newport departure, work the Gulf Stream dynamics that define the course, and measure yourself against the same tactical and meteorological challenges faced by the racing fleet.
A True Offshore Curriculum
This is an elite academic immersion: participants earn formal endorsements while practicing continuous day‑and‑night watch systems, heavy‑weather techniques, and offshore navigation under instructor oversight.
What the day feels like
What the Passage Feels Like
Expect a continuous rhythm of sail trim, watch rotations and hands‑on command decisions across six days at sea. The crossing integrates intensive night watches and offshore weather and navigation training, culminating in a celebrated landfall in Bermuda.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this passage suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Six‑day offshore expedition; scheduled departure on June 19th.
Guests are responsible for travel to Newport and for return from Bermuda. A meeting location is listed as 3190 Suite C Matecumbe Key Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33955.
Participants will work toward U.S. Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification, a Catamaran Endorsement, and the International Proficiency Certificate; prospective participants are asked to submit a brief sailing résumé for consideration.
The program uses the Excess 14, a performance‑oriented catamaran designed by VPLP and optimized for offshore autonomy and passage making.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the crossing?
The passage is a six‑day offshore expedition.
What certifications will I earn?
Participants work to achieve U.S. Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification, a Catamaran Endorsement, and the International Proficiency Certificate (IPC).
Who operates this voyage?
The program is operated by The Bluewater Academy.
Where does the voyage begin and end?
The expedition commences in Newport, Rhode Island and concludes in Bermuda.
Is there an option to return to Newport?
Yes—there is an extended opportunity to continue aboard for a five‑day return passage to Newport.
Do I need to submit any materials to apply?
Prospective participants are invited to submit a brief sailing résumé for consideration due to the program's selective and rigorous nature.