Sailing has played a pivotal role in the history of Bermuda. The history of Race Week can be traced as far back as 1927. Initially, the racing was held over a number of weeks if more than one class was competing. The current format of a one week event for all classes was adopted in 1952. Racing has taken place in the Great Sound, Harrington Sound and along the North Shore in previous years, with the Great Sound providing the venue for racing in recent years. 2002 saw the celebration of 75 years of International Race Week, and this was crowned with the introduction of a new class into the International Race Week Hall of Fame - J105s.