The five-race Onion Patch Series is inviting all IMS entries in June's Newport-Bermuda Race to "Sail the Series".

To date 146 boats have applied for entry in the Bermuda Race IMS Cruiser/racer Division and 15 have applied for the Racing Division. All 161 are eligible to sail the series and late entry applications are still being accepted for the Bermuda Race.

Racing for the Onion Patch series includes top competition in a wide variety of sailing conditions.

The first two races are ocean or bay courses in New York Yacht Club's annual regatta. The third race is the Cruising Club of America and Royal Bermuda Yacht Club's 635-mile Newport Bermuda Race.

The final two races in the RBYC's Anniversary Regatta are sailed on Bermuda's Great Sound.

Individual entries race for the DuPont Trophy and for the IMS North American Championship. Three-boat teams also sail for the Onion Patch Trophy.

Teams may be composed of any mix of IMS Racing or IMS Cruiser/Racer boats representing countries, clubs or other sailing associations.

In 2000 there were 45 individual entries and nine teams formed. With the record number of entries lining up for the Newport to Bermuda Race, the Onion Patch is now looking for a record fleet too.

Onion Patch Series entry forms and information can be obtained on http://www.bermudarace.com.