A report commissioned to investigate the sinking of two boats in the 2024 Newport Bermuda Race has revealed that at least one of the incidents could have been prevented.

The report, which was authored by a collaborative team of experts with support from US Sailing and the Cruising Club of America, concluded that the sinking of Gunga Din may have been avoided had ‘certain prior modifications to the vessel been better documented, inspected, and understood by all parties involved’.

It states that while no single party was solely responsible, the sinking resulted from a convergence of factors.

“Responsibility for a vessel’s structural integrity is shared among owners, builders, designers and surveyors, especially following significant or even seemingly minor alterations or incidents,” said James Phyfe, who led the review committee.

“By examining the complex circumstances surrounding the loss of Gunga Din and Alliance, we hope to share meaningful lessons with the offshore sailing community.”

The 2024 Newport Bermuda Race began with 162 starters departing from Fort Adams in Rhode Island. While light conditions marked the start, a persistent southwesterly breeze of 20 to 35 knots soon developed and 14 vessels were forced to retire from the race, with seven making port in Bermuda, five returning to the US, and Gunga Din and Alliance both sinking.

The sinking of Alliance was traced to a catastrophic structural failure in the upper rudder bearing area. The investigation could not definitively determine whether Alliance struck a submerged object, but indications are that external forces may have contributed. However, regardless of impact, the structural failure at the rudder bearing proved fatal to the hull’s integrity.

The report recommends that owners and inspectors of offshore-capable racing vessels closely review rudder-bearing installations to ensure adequate support and integration with surrounding structures.

For 2026, the Newport Bermuda Race will be adding a keel and rudder inspection to the Safety Requirements similar to the one that forms part of the World and US Sailing Safety Equipment Requirements. .

The report on the sinkings is available to the public, and all offshore sailors, boat owners, surveyors and marine service providers are requested to review the findings.