Marblehead, MA: Onshore spectators will have a birds’ eye view of the start of the 40th Biennial Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race on Sunday, July 6, 2025. “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.” She added. The 45+ yachts 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, crossing the starting line at 1pm. The best places for onshore viewing will be Chandler Hovey Park and Castle Rock on Marblehead Neck.
The 2025 fleet is impressive ranging from cutting edge performance yachts to storied classics. The lineup includes Ticonderoga, a majestic 72 ft 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, the current Marion to Bermuda record holder, Boudicca, a King Marine Rachel Pugh 66 owned by Rich Moody and Temptation a JV 66 from Oakcliff Sailing out of Oyster Bay New York.
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 Apold, who is 77, will be competing on Dragon Fire, a 33 foot J99 with three generations of his family aboard. Returning this year to try and better her Brazil Rock Score in 2023 is Abigail, a 39 ft wooden ketch built in 1956 and meticulously restored by owner Jesse Terry. Abigail did manage a good Samaritan at Sea exercise in 2023 as they came across the Tartan Pinnacle with a disabled engine and towed her 20nm into Halifax. More information about the race and a full list of entrants can be found on the race website here.
The race committee requests that pleasure boaters will be respectful of the starting course and stay behind the floating red marker buoys. There will be over 20 Spectator Control Boats, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Marblehead Harbormaster assisted by the Salem Harbormaster as well as volunteers from the yacht clubs patrolling the starting area and each of the turn marks. The patrol boats will be flying yellow flags and will be keeping the course open for the MHOR yachts. Kindly avoid crossing the race path and avoid the middle zone altogether. Best safe boating practice would be to keep your speed slow and kindly respect the Spectator Control Boats with the yellow flags as well as all authorities such as the USCG, and Harbormasters.
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 race tracker, YB Races mobile app and replay of the racing sequence can be made during and after the race ends.