STOP PRESS - Rambler slashes Bermuda Race record

Dateline: 07:09:18 ADT Bermuda: George David’s 90ft maxi Rambler has smashed the 635 mile Newport Bermuda race record, clipping a massive 14 hours off the previous best time set 10 years ago by Roy Disney’s Pyewacket. The new record now stands at 39hr, 39 minutes, 18 seconds (subject to ratification) - an average speed of 16knots.

A delighted George David said. “These were perfect conditions. The most exciting moment was when we hit 26 knots. I’m so pleased with our performance. We have reduced the record by 25% - Not bad for a boat that is now 10 years old. This Rambler is the best boat I have ever owned!”

Rambler not only slashed the race record, her crew also spanked their rivals, with Hap Fauth’s Bella Mente crossing the lighthouse line 1 hour 43 minutes behind, followed 3 minutes later by Shockwave skippered by George Sakellaris.

On corrected time however, Shockwave beat Rambler by 33 minutes, followed by Belle Mente in 3rd and Team Tiburon 4th. Two yachts in class 10 are still racing.

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2012 Newport Bermuda Race

The 2012 Newport Bermuda Race starts on June 15th off Castle Hill, Newport, RI and finishes several days later off St. Davids Head, Bermuda. The 170+ Competitors in the 635-mile race will compete in either the St. Davids Lighthouse (amateur) Division, the Cruiser (amateur) Division, the Double Handed Division, the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse (professional) Division, Open (professional) Division, or Spirit of Tradition Division.

About 40 boats included in both Newport Bermuda Lighthouse Divisions are expected to sail the entire Onion Patch Series. That five-race series begins with two races of the New York Yacht Club 158th Annual Regatta presented by Rolex, includes the Newport Bermuda Race, and concludes with the two-race Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Anniversary Regatta presented by Butterfield Group.

The RBYC Anniversary Regatta is open to all boats in Bermuda LWL 25 feet or over with a valid IRC certificate. Information is online at www.onionpatchseries.com. Enter the series or the Anniversary Regatta from the New York Yacht Club site http://www.nyyc.org/158th-annual-reggatta-jun8-10/.

The website - www.BermudaRace.com - carries Newport Bermuda Race rules, news, videos, photos, history, and expert advice. Race news is also posted on the Newport Bermuda Race 2012 Facebook page and on Twitter at @BdaRace.

Media questions should go to Media@BermudaRace.com

Bermuda is the Official Host of the Newport Bermuda Race. For details on all the excitement and events Bermuda has to offer, call your travel agent or visit www.bermudatourism.com.

Gosling's Rum is the Official Rum of the Newport Bermuda Race. Try a Dark n Stormy ®, the taste of Bermuda. For more information visit www.goslingsrum.com

Newport Shipyard is the Official Shipyard of the Newport Bermuda Race. Come get ready for Bermuda, swap strategies, and walk the docks among veteran sailors. www.NewportShipyard.com/

Hinckley Yachts is the Official Supplier of the Starting Line Chase Boat for the Newport Bermuda Race. www.hinckleyyachts.com/Hinckley/

Vineyard Vines is the Official Supplier of Newport Bermuda Race Commemorative Ties provided through the support of the Bank of NT Butterfield. www.vineyardvines.com/

Butterfield Group is the presenting sponsor of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Anniversary Regatta. www.bm.butterfieldgroup.com/About

Photos available from PPL Photo Agency. T: +44(0)1243 555561 E: ppl@mistral.co.uk. W: www.pplmedia.com