Sailors competing in the Newport to Bermuda race do it not to win silverware but for "personal rewards".

That's according to a survey which was conducted in September by Bermuda-based market research outfit, Research.bm, for the race's co-organisers, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and the Cruising Club of America.

Being "successful" in the race only garnered the support of seven percent of respondents.

John Rousmaniere, writing about the survey, said: "The 502 respondents to the survey – 95 skippers and the remainder crew members – answered many questions about the race and of the respondents, 84 percent are veterans of the 2006 or 2008 races, 37 percent have sailed in two or more races, 22 percent have done five to ten races, and nine percent (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 percentage 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."

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 percent).

¦ The competitive component of the race (72 percent).

¦ The opportunity to visit Bermuda (44 percent).

Rousmaniere noted: "Satisfaction with the race runs very high, with 88 percent of the survey participants stating that they would be likely to sail the race again, and 97 percent saying they would recommend the race to a friend or fellow sailor. In addition, 92 percent 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 percent).

¦ Well-run event (19 percent).

¦ Expectations were met, had a great time (10 percent).

Rousmaniere added: "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 Organising 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 e-mail" 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.

"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."