Onshore spectators will have a birds’ eye view of the start of the 40th Biennial Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race when it begins this Sunday at 1 p.m. off the shores of Marblehead.
“These yachts are spectacular under sail”, said Kate Ferris Richardson, Vice Commodore of the Boston Yacht Club and co-chair of the MHOR. “If the wind and weather are favorable, we hope as many people as possible will enjoy the sight.”
The 45-plus yachts that make up the 2025 fleet, which include cutting edge performance yachts to storied classics, will start near Halfway Rock and head west toward the shore, turning south just off Marblehead Neck before turning again at Tinkers Rock to set a course for Halifax.
The best places for onshore viewing will be Chandler Hovey Park and Castle Rock on Marblehead Neck.
The lineup for this year includes Ticonderoga, a majestic 72-foot classic ketch designed by L. Francis Herreshoff, which was built in 1936 and won the race in 1947. There should also be an interesting tussle between the two 66-footers: current Marion-to-Bermuda record holder, Boudicca, a King Marine Rachel Pugh 66 owned by Rich Moody, and Temptation Oakcliff, a JV 66 from Oakcliff Sailing Club out of Oyster Bay, N.Y.
Will Apold is the only Canadian to ever win the line honors race, which he did in 2011 on Valkyrie, a 78-foot Swan. This year the 77-year-old Apold will be competing on Dragon Fire, a 33-foot J99. Returning this year to try and better her Brazil Rock Score in 2023 is Abigail, a 39-foot wooden ketch built in 1956 and meticulously restored by owner Jesse Terry.
More information about the race and a full list of entrants can be found on the race website https://www.marbleheadtohalifax.com/. Yachting enthusiasts can follow the progress of the race on the website as each competitor will be equipped with a GPS transponder. The progress of each yacht can be tracked on the MHOR website, and replay of the racing sequence can be made during and after the race ends.