Race History

The running of the 2011 Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race (MHOR) is preceded by a long and prestigious history. The race began in 1905 as an informal competition among sailors from the Boston, Eastern, and New York Yacht Clubs. The race was run sporadically until 1939 (70 years ago this year), when the Boston Yacht Club (BYC) joined with the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (RNSYS) to formalize a biennial event. Since that time, the Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race has run regularly on alternate years from the Newport Bermuda Race, as one of the pre-eminent ocean races of the North Atlantic.

The race provides numerous opportunities for companies wishing to increase brand awareness and upscale association. It is a well-known international event in the world of sailing and provides great shore side venues for developing North-South businesses. Race publicity reaches more than 1,000,000 people in New England and a further 500,000 in Atlantic Canada.

The 2005 and 2007 Halifax Races attracted over 125 boats, racing in 5 different divisions: IRC, Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) Racing Class, PHRF Cruising Class, Multihulls and Classic Yachts. This year we add an ORR division. Over 20 perpetual trophies are awarded, recognizing many special accomplishments including team challenges, the fastest double handed yacht, and the fastest all-women's yacht, in addition to division and class winners.