| Denomination: | $5.00 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 28.28 gm |
| Diameter: | 38.61 mm |
| Alloy: | .925 silver |
| Issue Limit: | 3,500 |
The Fitted Dinghy Race is one of Bermuda’s most intriguing and widely anticipated boating competitions. All boats in the race carry sails that measure a spectacular 1500 square feet- the largest sail area of any boat in the world. These 14 foot long boats have 40 foot masts and crews of 6 or 7 sailors.
The first official fitted dinghy race was held in Bermuda in 1853. From then, boats were built especially for racing and became known as ‘fitted’ boats (as opposed to the ordinary, working boats that are ‘unfitted’). Two unique features to the fitted dinghy are temporary decking, used to reduce the amount of water taken on board while racing and the iron fin, which is known to have been used in 1870 and maybe even before this date.
From the start, the race is unusual with competitors setting off reverse rank order. During the race, boats can take on gallons of water and to lighten the load and keep the boat upright, members of the crew jump overboard or are pushed, providing hilarious scenes for the captivated audience. One of the class rules of the race is that, when one of the crew has left the boat, they aren’t allowed to reboard, leaving the remaining crew battling to keep the water levels low and the boat afloat until the finishing line.
It is extremely rare for all the boats to finish the race, but spirit is high! Boats may sink during one race, only to be rescued corrected and sailed again in another race later the same day.
There are currently five fitted dinghies in use, and another half-dozen dating back to the 1800s can be viewed at the Bermuda Maritime Museum.
The Bermuda Fitted Dinghy racing season begins on 24 May 2003.
