Newport RI, June 7, 2014: Entries close Monday, June 9 at 5PM EDT for the New York Yacht Club 160th Annual Regatta presented by Rolex, Stage 1 of the Onion Patch Series. The first IRC division race on Saturday June 14th and the first IRC division race on Sunday June 15th count as the first stage of the traditional Onion Patch Series. The new Navigator’s Division races sailed under ORR in the New York Yacht Club Regatta are part of the new Navigator’s Division in the 2014 Onion Patch Series.

2014 marks the 50th year since the Onion Patch Series was founded— see www.onionpatchseries.com

This is the 25th biennial celebration of the series, now offering exceptional racing in three world class events… the New York Yacht Club 160th Annual Regatta presented by Rolex, the 49th Newport Bermuda Race organized by the Cruising Club of America and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, now celebrating 170 years as a Royal Yacht Club, and the RBYC Anniversary Regatta.

All boats racing in the combined St. David’s Lighthouse or Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Divisions of the 2014 Newport Bermuda Race that are scored under IRC are eligible to race in the traditional Onion Patch Series.

Other Newport Bermuda boats not scored under IRC may now race in NEW Navigators Division of each of the three events. They will compete in less rigid, flexi-course sailing scored under the ORR system, the main rule for the Newport Bermuda Race. All Onion Patch Series competitors must qualify for all three events that comprise the series on either level.

Deadline for Entry in the York Yacht Club annual Regatta is 1700 on Monday, June 9, 2014. Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of the New York Yacht Club Organizing Authority. Late fees will apply as described in the 160th Annual Regatta NOR 5.3.

If you cannot enter the full series, you are still invited to sail in the RBYC Anniversary Regatta. The first race is a Windward Leeward contest in Bermuda’s Great Sound. We usually have a good though shifty breeze and a light chop for this race. The second race is a ‘tour of the islands’ ... the start is in the Great Sound and the course has marks in Port Royal Bay and Granaway Deep with the finish near the RBYC marina in Hamilton Harbour. Of course, the new Anniversary Regatta Navigator's Division is offered, too.

How to Enter:  Entry for the series itself and component events - the NYYC Annual Regatta and RBYC events - may be made on the New York Yacht Club website: www.nyyc.org/yachting/racing/160th-annual-regatta .