A fleet of 20 yachts and 145 intrepid crew members have officially begun their grueling 753-mile journey across the Atlantic, as the 2026 Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race got underway from Maryland.
This year’s edition blends seasoned ocean racers with the future of maritime leadership, highlighted by a strong contingent from the US Naval Academy, who have entered four of their famed Navy 44 tactical cutters into the racing classes.
However, any hopes of an immediate, flying start down the coast were quickly dashed. The opening hours of the race have turned into a psychological game of chess, with the fleet left searching for breeze and struggling to break free from the frustratingly calm, tidal constraints of the Chesapeake Bay area.
As the sun began to set on day one, the leaderboard reflected just how punishingly slow the initial progress has been.
By 6:00 am Bermuda time, it was Time Machine holding the absolute lead on the water. The crew has clawed their way to the front of the pack, but they are far from flying—managing a modest 6 knots as they hunt for cleaner air.
Hot on their heels is Tenacious, currently sitting in second place. Despite being trailing tactically, they are currently the fastest of the lead trio, clocking a marginally better speed of 6.7 knots. Defiance occupies the final provisional podium spot in third, making 6.2 knots.
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