Marblehead to Halifax Ocean race set to make 2023 return

For the first time since 2019, the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean race will take place next year on July 9th. The biennial race makes its triumphant return after the 2021 race was canceled due to the pandemic forcing border closures between the U.S and Canada. 

The 2023 sailing race will mark the 39th edition of the contest. Starting in Marblehead Harbor, sailors will race 363 nautical miles all the way up to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The race will be sponsored by the Boston Yacht Club as well as the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron.

Vice Commodore Bruce Baker, Race co-chair, said in a statement that the span of four years between races, rather than the normal two years, has generated a lot of excitement surrounding the announcement .

“The Notice of Race is up, and we’re thrilled to be back,” he said. “We think there is pent-up demand because of the Pandemic, and we are expecting a brisk signup.”

The race is one of the most historic and oldest on the eastern seaboard. It was first held in 1905 and other than times of war and the pandemic, the tradition of the race has been carried out every other year. The race has got its roots from the commercial and fishing trade routes between Nova Scotia, and what were then known as “the boston states” in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Recreational yachting grew steadily in the 19th century and included the foundations of the Boston Yacht Club (1866), the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Club (1837), and the Eastern Yacht Club (1870). Both of these factors played a significant role in the creation of the race. 

In a statement, Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron Co-Chair Graham Roy shared his enthusiasm with Baker.

“l echo Vice Commodore Baker’s excitement. RNSYS is thrilled to be welcoming this group of sailors back to our club next summer. The long-standing tradition of the race, and skipping 2021, has increased the interest from the local boats that are looking to participate. We hope to have a banner year in both entries and champagne sailing conditions.”

The notice for the race is posted online and can be found at www.marbleheadtohalifax.com. Registrations are now being accepted.