NEWPORT, Rhode Island – From Friday's start in Newport to the finish in Bermuda 635 miles later, the classic ocean race has become almost a spectator sport.

New this year for the historic event will be the HD Gateway finish line cam. The high definition camera will be mounted on the St. David's Lighthouse tower so that the finish line action can be streamed worldwide day and night.

Family, friends and other race enthusiasts will also be able also use iBoattrack to follow their boat of interest to the finish, then actually watch them cross the line when they arrive.

In Bermuda, digital spectators can watch boats finish from the comfort of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. A Gateway 'SMART Board' will be available for viewing in the Calabash Lounge and a smaller HD TV monitor will be available over the Terrace Bar.

And there are also many ways to watch the Friday afternoon start in Newport.

The shore-side view is spectacular and comfortable. Many people watch the start from Castle Hill, right at the start of Ocean Drive. Others will watch from the Jamestown shore, while the best viewing is at Fort Wetherill State Park. Beavertail State Park in Jamestown is also an option but a little further away from the line.

A variety of vessels will be available for charter in Newport. Lists can be found on various Newport web ites dedicated to tourism and business.

A variety of tourist vessels take visitors out on the water for tours and a number of these may have special trips available specifically to watch the start of the race.

Hundreds of private yachts are expected to spend the afternoon watching the start.

During the race, digital spectators can watch the progress of the event on their computers by logging on to iBoattrack through the Newport Bermuda Race website www.bermudarace.com/ or through iBoat's own web http://www.iboattrack.com/.

In Bermuda, the best spot to watch the yachts finish is from the grounds of St. David's Lighthouse.