one of the world's major ocean races for sailing yachts. Originating in 1906, it has been held biennially since 1924 (except during World War II); since 1936 it has covered the 635-nautical-mile (1,176-kilometre) distance from Newport, R.I., U.S., to Bermuda. The race is cosponsored by the Cruising Club of America and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, with the winners determined by a handicapping formula. Beginning in 1986 separate awards were given to the winners of the two main divisions, or classes, of ships in the Bermuda Race—one for the fastest cruiser/racer yacht and one for the fastest grand prix racer. The yachts in these two divisions race under the rules, respectively, of the International Measurement System (formerly the Measurement Handicap System) and the International Offshore Rule.