Bermuda is no stranger to unique traditions, and few are as beloved as the Round-the-Island Seagull Race. This quirky event, which sees participants powering boats with British Seagull outboard motors, has become a fixture of the island’s summer calendar. But how did this unusual race come to be, and why has it endured for over five decades?
It all started back in 1969, when a spirited rivalry between two local men in Devonshire Bay sparked what would become one of Bermuda’s most cherished annual events. The men—known by their nicknames, “Ghost” and “Skeets”—were debating whose boat engine was more powerful. One used a bulky 25-horsepower outboard, while the other preferred a modest Seagull engine. A bit of friendly back-and-forth led to a challenge: who could go faster with the same motor?
That impromptu contest captured the attention of onlookers, and the next year, Ronnie and Donald Lines took it a step further by organising the first official Seagull Race. With sponsorship from Holmes, Williams & Purvey, the event drew fifty enthusiastic boaters, all eager to prove their Seagull-powered dinghies were the fastest around. The race was originally limited to local boats in Devonshire Bay, but the allure of competition proved so strong that some sailors moved their moorings to the bay just to take part.
By the late 1970s, the race had moved beyond its small Devonshire Bay origins. What started as a simple challenge between a few boaters grew into an island-wide event. The course, which spans around 35–42 nautical miles, remains roughly the same today, a full loop around Bermuda for these small, low-horsepower engines. The race’s accessibility and inclusive spirit meant that anyone with a Seagull-powered boat could enter, and the fields of competitors grew each year. By 2016, the race had grown so popular that more than 80 boats participated, cementing its place as an unmissable summer tradition.
The early years were also marked by a few notable shifts in location. Originally staged in Devonshire Bay, the race’s starting point moved in 1987 to St. George’s, but that experiment didn’t quite stick. Only four boats showed up, leading the organisers to abandon the new location. Later, in the late 1980s, the start line was shifted to Long Island, and eventually to the St. George’s Dinghy & Sports Club until 2004 which was the last year that it was held in St Georges. It has, since that time, been alternating between Spanish Point and Sandys.
The Seagull Race is unique not just because of its choice of engine but also because of the relaxed yet competitive atmosphere it fosters. There’s no rush to the finish line—the slow pace is part of the charm. Boats with original Seagull engines take about 3 hours to complete the course, and to stay comfortable, crews often swap drivers during the race. Steering with frozen fingers and enduring the boat’s steady, rhythmic hum becomes as much a part of the experience as the competition itself.
Over the years, the event has grown into more than just a race; it’s a celebration of Bermuda’s communal spirit. Participants have affectionately dubbed themselves “Seagullians,” and even crafted a playful “constitution” and secret handshake for their club. Boats often carry names that reflect the island’s laid-back humour—past entries have included “Terrapin Flyer” and “Roaring Snail”. The event might be a race, but it’s also a showcase of local wit and creativity.
The post-race festivities are just as crucial to the event’s identity. After completing the arduous journey around the island, participants and fans gather for a well-earned BBQ and awards ceremony, where the prizes are often just as quirky as the race itself. Wacky trophies are handed out, and the focus remains on fun and camaraderie, with local charity efforts often benefiting from the event’s success—like the $7,000 raised in 2016 for the Bermuda Sloop Foundation.
While the main event remains the highlight, the Round-the-Island Seagull Race has also inspired spin-off races and traditions. There’s the “Iron Man” endurance challenge for Seagull enthusiasts, as well as a juniors’ race—the “Round-the-Sound” Seagull Race—that allows younger participants to get in on the action. These smaller events ensure that the tradition continues to be passed down from generation to generation.
As much as the race is about the boats, it’s about the people who take part—the families, friends, and strangers who gather year after year, united by a love for a challenge that’s as fun as it is unassuming. And while the competition can get fierce, it’s the spirit of camaraderie that keeps participants coming back.
In an age where so many things feel rushed, the Seagull Race reminds us that sometimes the slowest pace can offer the most enjoyment. Whether it’s the quirky names of the boats, the cheeky banter between competitors, or the sense of pride in being part of such a longstanding tradition, the Round-the-Island Seagull Race remains a true testament to the unique spirit of Bermuda.
So next June, when the engines fire up and the boats start their loop around the island, you’ll know it’s not just a race—it’s a celebration of all that makes Bermuda special: the people, the humor, and the heart of the community.
