PRESS RELEASE

A2B and U.S. Patriot Sailing Announce New ‘Patriot Cup’ Perpetual Trophy

January 14, 2026, Annapolis, MD. The Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race (A2B) sponsored by Mustang Survival is thrilled to announce a new partnership with U.S. Patriot Sailing to create a Patriot Cup perpetual trophy for A2B in 2026. The initiative is supported by Veterans Yacht Sales and The Ministry of Sailing. Eastport Yacht Club (EYC), host of the A2B race, praised the partnership, with EYC Commodore Jennifer Creary Ellefson commenting: “The skills needed to complete a high-caliber offshore race like A2B leverage the experiences cultivated within our Veteran community. Their participation brings that to the forefront. And since EYC is about connecting on the water, we could not be more grateful to support Veterans through this challenge."

The Patriot Cup is supporting the mission of finding pathways for active-duty Military and Veteran participation in the A2B. U.S. Patriot Sailing’s mission and the race’s dynamic challenges create a rich opportunity for skippers and crews to promote teamwork and complete the longest ocean race on the east coast. The new Patriot Cup perpetual trophy acknowledges the strong community of racing Veterans and helps attract new participants. Newcomers to distance racing will gain ocean experience and increase their sailing abilities through mentorship by experienced Veteran racers. Any race boat that meets the Notice of Race requirements is eligible to compete for the trophy.  

The A2B Organizing Authority is extremely proud to launch this partnership. Event Chair Bert Bossar explained, “As a Veteran, the A2B is a great opportunity to translate the intangible skills and experiences from military service towards a great ocean challenge. The A2B has it all: a long-distance coastal race down the Chesapeake Bay, a challenging Gulf Stream crossing, the open ocean sprint to Bermuda, and a technical finish. We are thrilled to announce this partnership and thank Veterans Yacht Sales and the Ministry of Sailing for their support.”

Sailing offers a unique environment where Military Members and Veterans of all abilities can learn, experience the adventure of the ocean, compete, and accomplish the mission as a team. Crews participating in a Category 1 offshore race like A2B will navigate dynamic challenges, find excitement and camaraderie, and live beyond land! All in one event. Peter Quinn, U.S. Patriot Sailing’s Executive Director, is excited about the opportunity to expand participation: “I recall being invited to crew on my first ocean race in the 2008 A2B. The boat I raced on, Pursuit, took first place.  That invitation inspired establishing the U.S. Patriot Sailing’s offshore program and the creation of an all-Veteran international ocean racing team.  We are thrilled to partner with A2B to welcome more Veterans to such a great race!”

The perpetual trophy will be unveiled at the pre-race party in June at the Eastport Yacht Club and will be maintained by U.S. Patriot Sailing. Veterans Yacht Sales was enthusiastic from the beginning, welcoming the chance to support the efforts. “At Veteran Yacht Sales, we believe in bringing the leadership, discipline, and teamwork forged through service into meaningful experiences on the water. The Patriot Cup reflects what matters to us as a business: honoring those who have served, expanding access to offshore sailing, and building a community where Veterans can grow and compete together. More than sponsorship, this is who we are. This is Mission Driven Yachting.” said Rick St. Cyr, Founder, Veteran Yacht Sales.

The race starts June 5th, 2026. Registration is open at bermudaoceanrace.com.

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