The Nassau Ocean Race 2026 brings some of the best offshore sailors in the Western Atlantic to the turquoise waters of the Bahamas, finishing right at the entrance to Nassau Harbour. Official offshore racing calendars list the Nassau Ocean Race 2026 from February 26 to 28, 2026, linking Miami, Florida and Nassau, Bahamas, under ORC Club and ORC International rating rules. The race is also known as the Nassau Cup Ocean Race, a historic 174 nautical mile offshore event that starts just off Miami and finishes just inside Nassau Harbour, offering island spectators a dramatic view as racing yachts arrive at the capital. For anyone who loves islands, sailing, and live sporting drama on the water, Nassau Ocean Race 2026 is a perfect reason to be in Nassau in late February.
Core Details: Dates, Course, and Organizers
Confirmed 2026 Dates
Two authoritative sources align on the 2026 schedule:
- The Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) Events 2026 page lists “Nassau Ocean Race 2026 – Miami, FL and Nassau, Bahamas – 02.26–02.28” as an international event under ORC Club and ORC Int.
- The official SORC (Southern Ocean Racing Conference) site notes the “Nassau Cup Ocean Race – Miami to Nassau – February 26, 2026” in its 2025–2026 race program.
Together, these confirm that the Nassau Ocean Race / Nassau Cup Ocean Race 2026 will start on Thursday 26 February 2026, with racing activity and arrivals extending into February 27–28 as boats complete the 174‑mile course.
Course and Distance
A race profile from an American yacht club and SORC materials describe the course as:
- Approximately 174 nautical miles, starting off Miami and finishing at Nassau Harbour.
- The fleet starts near Government Cut / Miami sea buoy, then leaves key Bahamian lights to starboard, including Great Isaac Light and Great Stirrup Light, before finishing at Nassau.
The SORC Nassau Cup page explains that:
- Starting in South Florida, racers “leave Great Isaacs Light to starboard and proceed past Great Stirrup Light, finally finishing at Nassau harbor,” with a long history of top offshore sailors contesting the Miami to Nassau Cup since 1934.
Organizing Bodies
- The race is run under the umbrella of SORC Sailing, with support from historic clubs like Nassau Yacht Club and US‑based yacht clubs.
- Nassau Yacht Club notes in its history that it co‑founded the Miami–Nassau Ocean Race in 1934, underscoring the deep link between this race and the capital’s yachting culture.
History and Prestige of the Nassau Ocean Race
The Nassau Cup Ocean Race has a long pedigree:
- SORC records state that “since 1934, some of the best offshore sailors in the world have battled for the prestigious Miami to Nassau Cup,” including names such as Ted Turner, Dennis Conner, Dick Bertram, and Ted Hood, sailing famous offshore yachts.
- Historical articles show that the Miami–Nassau ocean race was a major sporting event even in the 1930s, with New York Times coverage of the second annual Miami–Nassau ocean race welcoming yachts to Nassau.
Modern accounts describe it as:
- A challenging Gulf Stream crossing where weather and current can make or break a campaign.
- A key leg in the “Islands in the Stream” offshore series, alongside other Florida–Bahamas races.
For Nassau, the 2026 edition continues a tradition that has helped make the Bahamas a recognized playground for serious offshore sailors.
What Happens During Nassau Ocean Race 2026
Start in Miami
On Thursday 26 February 2026, the fleet assembles off Miami:
- The official 2026 Nassau Cup Ocean Race entry on YachtScoring shows a race date of February 26, 2026, with online registration, notice of race, sailing instructions, and live tracking links provided to competitors and fans.
- SORC’s schedule notes this as a Miami to Nassau race, with racers starting off South Florida, heading east to cross the Gulf Stream, then turning southeast toward the Bahamas.
From there, boats sail non‑stop through day and night, navigating current, wind shifts, and shallow banks.
Finish in Nassau Harbour
As yachts approach New Providence, they:
- Pass Great Stirrup and other outlying lights, then converge on the entrance to Nassau Harbour where the finish line is set.
- Depending on conditions, the leading boats can finish in a little over 13 hours (the current course record, set in 2012 by Ron O’Hanley’s Privateer, is 13 hours, 31 minutes, 30 seconds) while others arrive through the next day.
A 2026 events calendar for the Bahamas calls the Nassau Ocean Race “one key fixture” of February, explaining that it “starts in Miami, Florida, and concludes in Nassau, Bahamas” and that it “brings a fleet of powerful racing yachts to the capital’s harbor, offering a spectacular view of their arrival and a great atmosphere around the marinas”.
Expect:
- Boats finishing from late on February 26 into February 27.
- Crews tying up at Nassau marinas such as Nassau Yacht Club and nearby facilities.
- A lively social scene around the docks as sailors, locals, and visitors mingle.
Best Ways for Island Visitors to Experience Nassau Ocean Race 2026
Watching the Finish from Shore
Nassau Harbour offers several vantage points:
- Eastern entrance areas and seawalls where you can watch yachts appear and head toward the finish line.
- Public spots near Prince George Wharf and Rawson Square, already noted as prime locations for Nassau’s other waterfront festivals and events.
The 2026 events calendar highlights that the race’s arrival “offers a spectacular view” from around the marinas, so plan to spend time along the harborfront and near yacht clubs on February 27, 2026, when the bulk of the fleet is expected in.
Experiencing the Marina Atmosphere
After finishing, boats dock at marinas that often become informal celebration hubs:
- Offshore race reports from previous years note social events hosted by Nassau Yacht Club and sponsor parties associated with SORC races, recognizing winners and sharing stories from the crossing.
- As a visitor, this is a great chance to:
- Walk the docks (where access is permitted).
- See offshore race boats up close.
- Talk with crews about their experience sailing from Miami to Nassau.
Check with Nassau Yacht Club or race websites closer to the date for any public awards ceremonies or viewing guidelines.
Practical Information for Sailors and Spectators
Entry and Rating (for Competitors)
- ORC lists the 2026 event as an ORC Club and ORC Int rated race, meaning boats need valid ORC certificates to compete.
- ORC Sailor Services provide access to certificates, speed guides, and test runs, helping race teams optimize performance for the Nassau Ocean Race.
- The YachtScoring 2026 Nassau Cup Ocean Race page handles:
- Online registration.
- Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions.
- Entry lists, scratch sheets, and crew boards.
Travel Planning for Spectators
For island travelers focused on watching the finish and enjoying Nassau:
- When to be in Nassau:
- Plan to be on New Providence from at least February 26–29, 2026, to catch arrivals, dockside energy, and any awards activities.
- Where to stay:
- Downtown Nassau: Walkable to harborfront, Rawson Square, and Prince George Wharf.
- Paradise Island: Resorts like Atlantis and neighboring properties, a short taxi ride or walk across the bridge from the harbor.
- What to do around race time:
- Combine harbor watching with visits to nearby attractions such as Fort Fincastle, the Queen’s Staircase, the Straw Market, and the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory.
- Enjoy beaches like Junkanoo Beach near downtown or head over to Paradise Island for broader resort amenities.
February is prime weather in the Bahamas, with comfortable temperatures, light trade winds, and minimal rain, which is why both romance travel and offshore racing calendars point to the month as ideal.
Is There a Ticket Cost for Nassau Ocean Race 2026?
For spectators on the Bahamian side, the Nassau Ocean Race / Nassau Cup Ocean Race is free to watch. This is an offshore regatta, not a gated stadium event:
- There is no admission fee to stand along Nassau Harbour, enjoy the yacht arrivals, or watch finishing boats sail in.
- The only costs for spectators are typical travel expenses (accommodation, food, local transport).
For competitors, there are entry fees and rating‑certificate costs:
- SORC and YachtScoring registration pages require a race entry fee per boat, which covers race administration, tracking, and some social events.
- Obtaining and maintaining an ORC certificate also involves rating fees through ORC Sailor Services.
Exact 2026 competitor pricing is published in the Notice of Race on YachtScoring, so teams should refer there for current amounts.
Why Nassau Ocean Race 2026 Belongs on Your Island Calendar
Whether you are a sailor, a sailing fan, or simply an island traveler who loves unique local experiences, the Nassau Ocean Race 2026 offers something special. Over a few days in late February, Nassau Harbor transforms into a stage where sleek offshore yachts arrive after a tough overnight crossing, welcomed by tropical light, turquoise water, and the pastel‑colored skyline of the Bahamian capital.
You can spend the morning exploring forts and rum cake shops, then step to the waterfront to watch race boats cross the line, lower sails, and glide into marinas. In the evenings, harbor bars and restaurants buzz with post‑race stories, adding a festive edge to the island’s already lively dining scene.
If your 2026 plans include the Bahamas, circle February 26–28 as the prime window for the Nassau Ocean Race 2026 Bahamas. Book a stay overlooking Nassau Harbour or across on Paradise Island, time your walks for yacht arrivals, and let the blend of offshore competition and island ease show you a different side of the Bahamas.
Verified Information at glance
Event Category: Offshore sailing regatta / Ocean race / Nautical sporting event
Official Event Name(s):
- Nassau Ocean Race 2026 (ORC listing).
- Nassau Cup Ocean Race 2026 – Miami to Nassau (SORC and YachtScoring).
Island / Finish Location:
- Nassau Harbour, Nassau, New Providence Island, The Bahamas.
Confirmed 2026 Dates:
- ORC Events 2026: “02.26–02.28 Nassau Ocean Race 2026 – Miami, FL and Nassau, Bahamas”.
- SORC schedule: “Nassau Cup Ocean Race – Miami to Nassau – February 26, 2026”.
- Bahamas 2026 events calendar: Describes the Nassau Ocean Race as “tentatively scheduled for February 26–28, 2026”.
Course & Distance:
- Approx. 174 nautical miles, starting off Miami and finishing just inside Nassau Harbour.
- Course description: Racers start near Miami, leave Great Isaacs Light to starboard, proceed past Great Stirrup Light, and finish at Nassau harbor.
Organizers and Rating:
- Organized under the Southern Ocean Racing Conference (SORC) with support from clubs such as Nassau Yacht Club.
- Rated under ORC Club and ORC International; listed as an ORC international event.
Historical Notes:
- SORC: “Since 1934, some of the best offshore sailors in the world have battled for the prestigious Miami to Nassau Cup, including Ted Turner, Dennis Conner, Dick Bertram, and Ted Hood,” sailing legendary boats.
- Nassau Yacht Club history: NYC co‑founded the Miami–Nassau Ocean Race in 1934 and has long been associated with Bahamian sailing success.
Spectator Experience:
- Bahamas events calendar: The Nassau Ocean Race “starts in Miami, Florida, and concludes in Nassau, Bahamas,” and “brings a fleet of powerful racing yachts to the capital’s harbor, offering a spectacular view of their arrival and a great atmosphere around the marinas”.
- No admission fee; spectators can watch from public harborfront areas and around marinas.
Competitor Information:
- YachtScoring 2026 Nassau Cup Ocean Race page provides online registration, Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, entry lists, scratch sheets, and crew boards.
- ORC Sailor Services allows racers to access ORC certificates, speed guides, and performance tools for boats entering the Nassau Ocean Race 2026
