Veteran Yacht Sales is proud to support the debut of two new competitive race classes at the 2026 Annapolis to Bermuda Race designed to recognize service, leadership, and seamanship through offshore competition, not ceremony.

These new classes reflect a shared belief:
Respect is earned offshore through preparation, discipline, and performance.

Introducing the Patriot Cup

The Patriot Cup is a new race class created for veteran and active-duty service members who want to compete at the highest level of offshore sailing.

This is not a commemorative category.
It is a competitive class intended to challenge crews mentally, physically, and professionally over one of the most demanding offshore courses in the world.

The Patriot Cup is designed for:

• Veteran-led crews from all branches of service

• Active duty, reserve, and prior-service sailors

• Owners and teams committed to preparation, safety, and seamanship

The goal is simple:
To make the Annapolis to Bermuda Race the offshore event where veterans feel challenged, respected, and fully part of the competitive field.

Introducing the All-Academies Cup

The All-Academies Cup brings together sailors connected to the United States Service Academies in a head-to-head offshore racing format that emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and execution under pressure.

Eligible crews may include alumni, mixed academy teams, or academy-affiliated programs, depending on final class guidance.

This class celebrates:

• Inter-academy competition rooted in performance

• The leadership traditions shared across the academies

• Offshore seamanship as the ultimate proving ground

The All-Academies Cup is intended to be competitive, credible, and worthy of the Annapolis to Bermuda Race legacy.

Why Veteran Yacht Sales Is Involved

Veteran Yacht Sales was founded on the belief that yachting, at its best, is an advisory profession grounded in discipline, preparation, and trust values deeply familiar to those who have served.

Supporting the Patriot Cup and All-Academies Cup aligns directly with our mission:

• To elevate professionalism in yachting

• To support veterans beyond symbolism

• To invest in programs that reward competence, not shortcuts

Offshore racing reflects the same principles we expect of our brokers and advisors:
Plan thoroughly. Execute decisively. Take responsibility for outcomes.

Looking Ahead to 2026

These two new classes represent the beginning of a longer-term commitment to veteran and academy participation in offshore racing.

As the 2026 race approaches, we look forward to:

• Supporting participating owners and crews

• Highlighting the stories behind the teams

• Helping build sustainable, competitive classes for future races

Veteran Yacht Sales is honored to play a supporting role in this effort and applauds the Annapolis to Bermuda Race organizers for creating space for these new competitive divisions.

Interested in learning more or participating?
Follow Veteran Yacht Sales for updates as the Patriot Cup and All-Academies Cup continue to take shape ahead of the 2026 race. Contact Us today