1:00 AM Fri 11 Dec 2009 GMT
The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee cares about the opinions of the race's sailors. After each race, we survey the skippers asking for their thoughts and recommendations. The results of the survey taken immediately after the 2008 race.
Now there's another, more detailed survey of sailors that tells us more about who they are, what they like and don't like, and the influence that the Newport Bermuda Race has on its two shore sites, Newport and Bermuda. This new survey was conducted in September 2009 by a Bermuda-based market research outfit, Research.bm, for the race's co-organizers, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and the Cruising Club of America.
The 502 respondents to the survey - 95 skippers and the remainder crew members - answered many questions about the race, Newport, and Bermuda. Of the respondents, 84% are veterans of the 2006 or 2008 races, 37% have sailed in two or more races, 22% have done five to ten races, and 9% (44 sailors) have done the Thrash to the Onion Patch more than ten times.
Three conclusions can be drawn from the survey. First, most sailors are very happy with the race, with satisfaction rates in the 90% range. Second, improvements can always be made. And third, the Newport Bermuda Race is an extremely large and consequential event for its two hosts, Newport and Bermuda.
Satisfactions
Asked to list one or more reasons why they entered the race, the respondents had several answers. The following garnered the most support:
- The adventure of participating (86%)
- The competitive component of the race (72%)
- The opportunity to visit Bermuda (44%)
Satisfaction with the race runs very high, with 88% of the survey participants stating that they would be likely to sail the race again, and 97% saying they would recommend the race to a friend or fellow sailor.
In addition, 92% of the respondents said their pre-race expectations were met or exceeded. The top three satisfactions are:
- Overall race experience, including challenge, competition and crew camaraderie (37%)
- Well-run event (19%)
- Expectations were met, had a great time (10%)
Interestingly, success in the race garnered the support of only 7% of the respondents. Most sailors make "the thrash to the Onion Patch" not for the silverware, but for personal rewards.
Improvements
It's clear, therefore, that Bermuda Race sailors are very satisfied with the race. Still, some respondents to the survey indicated concern in three areas.
"Improve the registration process" said a number of people. The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee is working to make it as simple and painless as possible. Registration will be almost entirely online and almost paperless. To speed things up and help the volunteer staff process forms, owners and skippers are advised to keep up with deadlines and requirements on
www.bermudarace.com
. A good way to accomplish that is to click on the "subscribe to email" button on the home page.
Logistics and planning are a big concern for crews because the Newport Bermuda Race starts in one country and finishes in another (in fact, it's one of very few international ocean races). The website's Logistics and Resources tab provides many links to help sailors seeking slips, accommodations, and other services in both Newport and Bermuda. There also are links to Bermuda government services. This information will be updated.
The race's prize-giving ceremony attracted comments that have stimulated a review. The Newport Bermuda Race's only ceremony, the awards presentation is held after the entire fleet has arrived in order that every boat is represented in this large celebration of racing to Bermuda.
The venue is one of the most spectacular places on the island, Government House, with its sweeping hilltop views of the island and the sea. There, the Governor of Bermuda and the flag officers of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and the Cruising Club of America (the two clubs that have been running the race in an all-volunteer effort since 1926) present the historic Lighthouse Trophies and other prizes to top boats in divisions, classes, and special categories such as family crews. There are prizes for some not-so-top boats, too. When the Galley Slave Trophy is presented to the last boat to finish, the cheer has to be heard to be believed.
Newport and Bermuda
Anybody who has sailed the race knows that it has a substantial impact on both Newport and Bermuda. The survey put that in numbers. Approximately 2,760 men and women sail the race or help sail boats home, and another 3,450 friends or family members meet boats in Bermuda after the finish. The total financial impact on both places has been estimated at over $10 million.
Sailors are enthusiastic about both places. Survey respondents are satisfied with Newport as a location for starting the race (97%), and would recommend Newport as a place to visit (96%). And they were satisfied with their visit to Bermuda (96%) and would recommend Bermuda as a place to visit (95%).
Of course, many sailors prove their satisfaction by returning to the Onion Patch every two years in a sailboat, racing down from Newport.
The results of the survey taken immediately after the 2008 race are at summarized on the website:
www.bermudarace.com/NewsEventsCalendar/News/tabid/179/EntryID/142/Default.aspx
www.bermudarace.com
by John Rousmaniere/Talbot Wilson
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