Newport to Bermdua RACE
Arabella’s Biggest & Most Important Event
Join Arabella for the prestigious Newport to Bermuda Race in June 2026. The Newport to Bermuda Race is the oldest and most prestigious ocean race in the United States. This historic 635-nautical-mile ocean race offers sailors an unparalleled opportunity to challenge themselves and experience the thrill of blue-water racing. Participating in this race is a multi-month experience that includes team building, training, and Safety-at-Sea Seminars. This is the “Mount Everest” of our regatta experiences, designed for our most passionate sailors who love blue-water adventures
Arabella, a robust and luxurious 157-foot mega yacht, has made numerous voyages between New York and Bermuda, providing a safe and comfortable platform for both novice and experienced sailors. Her participation in this race opens the door for individuals who might not otherwise have the chance to engage in such a transformative experience.
Challenge of a Lifetime
The Newport to Bermuda Race is the oldest and most prestigious ocean race in the United States. Participating in this event is a multi-month experience that includes team building, training, and Safety-at-Sea Seminars. This is the “Mount Everest” of our regatta experiences, designed for serious sailors who love blue-water adventures. You can read more about The Newport to Bermuda Race here.
Preparation & Training
The Bucket takes place in the beautiful waters around St. Barths. This backdrop adds an extra layer of allure to the racing. The races are set against the stunning backdrop of clear blue waters, picturesque beaches, and challenging courses that test the skills of even the most experienced sailors. The natural beauty of the island adds to the event’s allure, making it a unique experience for participants and spectators alike.
Crossing the Gulf Stream
The regatta is a blend of high glamour and relaxed Caribbean vibe. It’s a social event where luxury yachts and their owners mingle with guests in a setting that combines elegance with the laid-back charm of the island. The regatta often attracts high-profile participants, including yacht owners, celebrities, and sailing enthusiasts. This, combined with the social events, parties, and gatherings that are part of the regatta, makes it a glamorous occasion that celebrates the sailing lifestyle.
Finishing in Bermuda
From the moment you step aboard Arabella to the final celebration, every moment of the Saint Barths Bucket Regatta is filled with excitement, joy, and wonder. Whether it’s the thrill of the race, the beauty of the surroundings, or the friends you make along the way, this is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
What’s Included
Relax in comfort and style aboard Arabella, your home for the week. Experience the Arabella Lifestyle with gourmet meals, stunning sunsets, and the camaraderie of fellow guests and sailing enthusiasts.
- 7 days and 6 nights of luxury accommodations on board, complete with gourmet dining.
- A spot onboard Arabella for the Round-the-Island Race.
- Invitations to regatta festivities and race-related social events.
- An extra day on Martha’s Vineyard to explore the picturesque towns and beaches.
- Bonus stopovers in Block Island and Newport!
Yes, I want to race to Bermuda!
Start by joining this Adventures List for more information & next steps.
The Itinerary – 7 Days & 6 Nights
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Guests arrive onboard Arabella on starting on Tuesday after 4 pm. She will be anchored off St Maarten. Enjoy a welcoming cocktail, settle into your luxurious accommodations, and mingle with fellow guests over a gourmet dinner. As the sun sets, the excitement of the Bucket Regatta will start to build.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Arabella will weigh anchor in the morning and sail over to St Barths. This will be a full day of preparations for the Bucket, including crew training, weather evaluations and strategy sessions.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
We continue in the morning to Martha’s Vineyard, arriving off Edgartown by late afternoon. There will be regatta festivities this evening and you will be able to go ashore and meet some of the sailors from other yachts.
Friday, March 13, 2026
Race day! Arabella will set off in the iconic ‘Round-the-Island Race, an all-day 56 mile challenge. We are hoping for strong breezes. After we finish, our team will celebrate at the regatta social events organized by the Edgartown Yacht Club. In addition to meeting other sailors, you may brush shoulders with some sailing legends.
Saturday, March 14, 2026
This is your well-deserved day of rest and your chance to leisurely enjoy Martha’s Vineyard You can visit the quaint towns, relax on the pristine beaches, or simply bask in yachting style onboard Arabella.
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Arabella sets sail for Newport, RI, where guests can enjoy one last evening on board or ashore. You will have many great stories to share about the race and the incredible week of yachting.
Monday, March 16, 2026
Guests can disembark in Newport this morning or stay on Arabella for her return to NY Harbor. She will get underway early in the morning and plan to arrive back in the city around 10 pm. Guests will be able to disembark upon arrival.
Guests who cannot do the full cruise can still join Arabella for the Bucket by flying in or out of St Barths.
StateRooms
All staterooms include:
- Single or Double Beds
- Individual Climate Control
- Electrical Sockets
- Ensuite Bath with Sink & Toilet
- Private Shower
- Hand & Bath Towels
Owners Stateroom
$5690
/ PER PERSON
- Largest and Most Luxurious Staterooms
- Queen Bed
- Located Amidships (the most stable part of the boat)
- 2 available each trip
Premier Stateroom
$5490
/ PER PERSON
- Queen Bed
- Located Amidships (the most stable part of the boat)
- 4 available each trip
Duluxe Stateroom
$5290
/ PER PERSON
- Queen Bed
- Located in the Forward Section of the Yacht
- 6 available each trip
Double Stateroom
$4590
/ PER PERSON
- Over/Under Single Bunks, ideal for singles
- Located in the Aft Section of the Yacht
- 4 available each trip
Single Stateroom
4790
/ PER PERSON
- Single Berth
- Located in the Aft Section of the Yacht
- 2 available each trip
FAQs
Where do we meet Arabella?
You will meet Arabella in St Maarten.
What is the easiest way to get to St Maarten?
All major airlines fly to the Big Apple and the closest airport to the Manhattan Yacht Club is Newark (EWR). From Newark, you can take a 20 minute Uber/Lyft ride to the club.
Do I need to have racing experience in order to join this adventure?
No. This is what we call a “Regatta Experience.” It is one of the curated experiences created by Commodore Fortenbaugh and the Arabella team which form the basis of our “Arabella Lifestyle.” We love sailing and we also love racing. We want to share these incredible experiences with more people. So we have created these racing experiences. You can get a taste of the racing lifestyle without having to go through years of training first. If you like to be on a sailboat and also like a fun competition, you can do this. And in case we have not already said it, one of the best parts of any regatta are the social parties before and afterwards!
Do I need to even be a sailor to participate?
No you do not need to be a sailor to participate. But if you are not yet a sailor, we hope this experience will inspire you to get more involved int he world of sailing. The Manhattan Sailing School teaches adults how to sail every weekend in New York Harbor. As soon as you are ready, visit their website.
How much will be expected of me during the cruise and race?
During the cruise, our professional crew will manage the boat. But they would like your help whenever we need to raise the mizzen sail. This is our largest sail on the after-most mast (the mizzen mast). The mizzen sail is about 90 feet tall and we form a long line to pull the halyard. Not only does this promote teamwork and good feelings, but its a lot of fun and gets you pumped up as well. When we are cruising, the captain often allows guests to come up to the helm and help him steer Arabella. When in your life have you ever steered a 157-foot megayacht!!! This is your chance so have your camera ready. During the race, the captain, first mate or one of their designees will be steering at all times because of our need to keep Arabella moving as fast a possible. It’s a race, not a training session. But they will share their strategies, predictions and thought processes before and during the race so that you can follow along and be part of the action.
Will I have a chance to steer the boat or trim the sheets?
Yes, during the cruise you will have an opportunity to be involved in the sailing of Arabella. But during the race, the steering will be done only by the most experienced crew as designated by the captain only.
How should I pack?
Even though Arabella is a 157-ft megayacht, space onboard is at a premium. We encourage you to pack light. Please bring clothes in a soft duffle bag which can be folded up and stored in a cabinet. We discourage any hard suitcases because there will not be a place to store them in your room. For clothing, you will need enough to last the week and there are no laundry facilities on board. You can send laundry out in Martha’s Vineyard but it may pricey. Sailors specialize in making the most of a small wardrobe. All sailors look great in a blue blazer with a tie or scarf. You can get fancier from there as well. There is also be some special regatta gear which you can purchase before the event. Wearing the team gear to social events is usually well received. Most cabins have a few drawers for clothes storage plus a place for some hangers. The Premier and deluxe lines cabins have more storage space than the double and singe staterooms.
Are there electrical outlets in the cabins?
Yes. Each of the cabins has individual 110 volt electrical outlets. You will be able to charge your phone and computer each night. You can also run a hair dryer.
Are linens included?
Yes. The staterooms are fully stocked with linens and towels. Each cabin has a set of sheets, four pillows plus a fleece blanket and bed cover. Arabella does a “turnover” (where our stewardesses change the sheets) once per cruise, usually on the middle day, but sometimes staggered over two days (because there could be up to 20 guest cabins filled). It is recommended that you bring a small beach towel for your onshore excursions.
What is the situation with bathrooms and showers?
Each cabin also has its own private head (the nautical word for toilet), shower, and air conditioning. You will have privacy and be able to keep your room at your preferred temperature. However, water on a yacht is precious and we have to make all the water using our new Parker Aquamatic watermaker. Because our water supply is limited, please help us conserve it by taking “navy” showers or sharing with a friend. We appreciate your support and cooperation.
How is food and drink handled during the cruise?
All of your meals on Arabella are prepared by our gourmet chef. Arabella focuses on healthy eating and whenever possible, our provisioning is farm-to-table. Your cruise fare covers all breakfasts and lunches onboard during the trip plus four dinners. When you are on Martha’s Vineyard, those are the nights you eat ashore at any restaurant you choose. The cabin fare also includes non-alcoholic beverages. There is also a cash bar for beer, wine and mixed drinks which you may purchase while onboard.
Cancellation Policy
The Cruise Fare shall be deemed to be earned when paid and not refundable except as stated herein. If a guest cancels a trip 60 or more days in advance, they will receive a refund of all monies paid to ASA except 50% of the deposit. If a guest cancels a trip between 30 and 60 days, they will receive a refund of all monies paid except the full deposit. No cancelations are permitted within the final 30 days. If the guest fails to make an agreed-upon payment when due, they will be charged a $15 late fee for each additional day. If the guest fails to make a payment after 10 days after it was due, their contract can be canceled and no deposits will be returned.