Non-Mariners Race

View on map
Sports & AdventureMangrove Bay/Somerset
Dates2 August 2026Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceThe appeal is almost entirely in the
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: BMD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Non-Mariners Race in Mangrove Bay/Somerset

The Non-Mariners Race turns Mangrove Bay into a stage for deliberately unseaworthy home-built boats, where the entire point is to sink, capsize or otherwise fail in the most entertaining way possible. Held on the Sunday after the Cup Match holiday and organized by the Sandys Boat Club, the event has drawn Bermudians and visiting spectators by land and water since the 1960s, mixing self-deprecating boat-building humor with a raft-up party atmosphere in the bay.

The Non-Mariners Race began, by most accounts, with a group of friends including brothers Eric and Anthony Amos who attempted to float a baby carriage across Hamilton Harbour sometime in the 1960s after a long night at the Horse and Buggy pub on Queen Street.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The appeal is almost entirely in the mismatch between effort and outcome: participants spend weeks building elaborate, often satirical boats out of plywood, oil drums and paint, only to watch them fail on purpose in front of a cheering crowd

02

The mystery stays covered

Themes frequently poke fun at Bermuda politics, local news stories or pop culture, giving the race a running commentary quality that longtime residents follow year to year

03

The city starts moving

Because it falls the Sunday after Cup Match, it closes out the island's biggest holiday stretch on a note of self-deprecating humor rather than solemnity, and the shift from a strictly judged race to a looser raft-up and boat-party format has, if anything, widened its audience among visitors who come to watch rather than compete

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The tradition of building a boat purely to watch it fail

Water and renewal

Living ritual

often around a satirical local theme

The sacred route

Living ritual

is the defining custom

The local code

Living ritual

alongside the informal raft-up of pleasure boats that has grown around the original race

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

2 August 2026

Getting around

Base the route around Mangrove Bay/Somerset, then leave extra time for temporary streets, queues or late return traffic.

What to wear

Swimwear or clothing that can get wet, water shoes for the rocky shoreline, and sun protection, since much of the day is spent on or near the water.

Safety

For Non-Mariners Race, choose safe viewing points, watch weather and leave extra time around starts, finishes or releases.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Mangrove Bay/Somerset.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

BMD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map32.30 N, 64.79 WOpen in Google Maps

Mangrove Bay/Somerset, Sandys, Bermuda

Nearest airportBDA — L.F. Wade
TransportBase the route around Mangrove Bay/Somerset, then leave extra time for temporary streets, queues or late return traffic.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Mangrove Bay/Somerset.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Mangrove Bay/Somerset via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Mangrove Bay/Somerset, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearSwimwear or clothing that can get wet, water shoes for the rocky shoreline, and sun protection, since much of the day is spent on or near the water.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Bermuda and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Non-Mariners Race?

Non-Mariners Race is listed for 2 August 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Non-Mariners Race take place?

The festival is listed in Mangrove Bay/Somerset, Bermuda. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Mangrove Bay/Somerset, Sandys, Bermuda

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLubervida.net
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates2 August 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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