Ships sail out of Newport for the second leg of the Atlantic Cup

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The second leg of the 2024 Atlantic Cup began Saturday as racers began sailing from Newport to Portland, Maine.

Organizers said the Newport leg was a first for the race, as usually racers go from New York to Portland.

French team La Manche Évidence Nautique won the start of the leg, though USA 200, Scowling Dragon has had to retire due to sustaining “heavy damage” during the Charlestown-Newport Leg.

The seven teams will sail south before heading north in order to avoid a whale breeding ground.

The remaining seven teams are anticipated to arrive in Portland on the afternoon of June 3.