Lucky Joins Growing Fleet for 21st Ida Lewis Distance Race
Presented by Kiel James Patrick
NEWPORT, R.I. (June 18, 2026) – With entries continuing to build for the 21st edition of the Ida Lewis Distance Race presented by Kiel James Patrick, organizers are anticipating an exciting and competitive fleet for one of offshore sailing’s most distinctive 24-hour challenges.
Bryon Ehrhart’s 88-foot Lucky, taken at the 2025 Transpac Race. The Grand Prix Ocean Racer has entered this year’s Ida Lewis Distance Race presented by Kiel James Patrick. (photo credit Stephen Cloutier)
Set to start Friday, August 14 at 11 a.m. off Fort Adams in Narragansett Bay, the race already has 18 boats entered, ranging from the smallest competitor, Tommy Henshaw’s 28-foot J/9 Cloud 9, to the largest, Bryon Ehrhart’s 88-foot Juan K-designed grand prix ocean racer Lucky. The early-entry deadline is July 30, and additional registrations are expected in the coming weeks.
Competitors can register at: https://bit.ly/ILDRregister
The current scratch sheet is available at: https://bit.ly/ILDRscratchsheet
The recent addition of Lucky adds considerable star power to the fleet. Last year, the yacht claimed line honors in the 2,225 nautical mile Transpac Race with a world-class crew that included 11-time Transpac-winning navigator Stan Honey and renowned America’s Cup skipper Brad Butterworth. More recently, Lucky captured victory in the inaugural 1,600 nautical mile U.S. Open Offshore race from St. Barth’s to Newport, R.I.
While those offshore contests took approximately five days to complete, the Ida Lewis Distance Race presents a very different challenge. Designed specifically to last 24 hours, the event sends competitors on Race Committee-selected courses of various distances. Prior to the start, the Ida Lewis Race Course Development Team determines which course each class will sail, taking into account forecast weather conditions and handicap ranges. The result is a race that delivers a full day and night of offshore sailing while bringing the fleet back to Newport the following day.
If last year’s race is any indication, competitors could face a demanding test from the opening gun. The 2025 edition featured blustery east-northeasterly winds and a spectacular downwind start in 12-15 knots of breeze. Crews launched into the race under colorful spinnakers just outside Newport Harbor, creating one of the most memorable starts in recent event history.
Besides Presenting Sponsor Kiel James Patrick, other support for the Ida Lewis Distance Race comes from Gold Sponsors Palm Beach Motor Yachts, Tuckernuck Logistics, Van Liew Trust Company; Silver Sponsor Contender Sailcloth; and Bronze Sponsors Big Weather Gear, Brenton Hotel, Cay Electronics , the Hilb Group and Serhant. Contributing Sponsors are Gooseneck Vineyards, Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, Stella Artois, Toni Mills Graphic Design.
Follow the Ida Lewis Distance Race on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. For more information, go to http://www.ilyc.org/distancerace or contact Race Chair Anselm Richards, distanceracechair@ilyc.org
About the Ida Lewis Distance Race
Hosted annually by Ida Lewis Yacht Club in Newport, Rhode Island, the Ida Lewis Distance Race is a premier overnight offshore sailing competition that challenges crews on courses through the waters of Rhode Island Sound, Buzzards Bay, Long Island Sound and beyond. Since its inception, the race has earned a reputation for innovative course design, competitive racing and exceptional hospitality, making it one of the most anticipated offshore events in the Northeast sailing calendar.
More about Kiel James Patrick
Kiel James Patrick is a New England–based lifestyle brand inspired by the traditions of coastal living. From its origins in Rhode Island, the brand has grown into a global name recognized for quality craftsmanship and a classic Americana aesthetic. With a flagship location in Newport, RI, the brand remains dedicated to creating timeless pieces that reflect a life well-lived by the sea.