For those of us in colder climates, the long winters serve as a bit of a rest time. Sure, there is always maintenance to be done, schedules to coordinate, certifications courses to take, but it’s also a time for cozy nights in and dreaming of your next adventure. Before we know it, spring commissioning will be here.
For me, the slow winter months are bookended on one side with the autumn boat shows and on the other with the Northeast Ocean Racing Symposium, a late-March event that draws sailors from all around to get down to the sport’s brass tacks together.
The day is packed with lectures, panels, and networking centered around all things offshore. It’s also a welcome opportunity for the sailing community to reconnect and get both excited and informed about the upcoming season. It only takes a short walk around the room to run into old teammates, friends of friends, or the crew of that boat you spent all of last Marblehead-Halifax eyeing on the AIS and thinking, “how on Earth are they making seven knots in this breeze?” Don’t be shy, it’s the perfect time to strike up a conversation.
This year, the program highlights include Ronnie Simpson as keynote speaker, discussing his 2023-2024 Global Solo Challenge campaign and plans for another attempt at the lap around the world. Seven other sessions are also planned, including Reading the Breeze with weather expert Chelsea Freas; Sustainable Ocean Racing with Volvo Ocean Race veteran Damien Foxall; and Leadership and Teamwork at Sea with the Magenta Project’s Lena Weisskopel. David Southwell, winner of the last edition of the OSTAR will speak on heavy weather preparation, and additional technical sessions will cover engine preparation and lithium-ion battery conversions and care.
“The mission of the Northeast Ocean Race Symposium,” according to the event moderator Roy Greenwald, “is to bring together experienced nautical specialists and professionals, who share their knowledge with ocean racers, cruisers, and aspirants alike.” With original sessions that change every year, the NORS has developed a loyal and growing following.
And though the practical wisdom and technical know-how will be applicable to many sailors, the event is specifically geared towards more experienced racers, especially those looking up their game in one of the four major offshore races out of New England. If that’s you, bring a notebook because the information density is high, and you’ll want to jot things down. The Newport-Bermuda, Marblehead-Halifax, Bermuda One-Two, and Marion-Bermuda races all co-sponsor the event, and you’re all but guaranteed to meet other competitors who will want to talk shop.
Now in its fourth year, the symposium will be held March 21 at Bentley University. Tickets are still available. For more information, visit marionbermuda.com/NORS.
March 2026
