“This next America’s Cup in Bermuda is on track to be an historic event," says Sam Hollis, chief operating officer of the America’s Cup Event Authority at a  press conference announcing BWA’s involvement in the 2017 event. “The racing on the water will be the most competitive we’ve seen, with six strong teams showcasing the best sailors on the fastest boats. The setting and facilities in Bermuda are truly stunning and our superyacht owners will enjoy a very special experience.”

 

At the helm of the superyacht program is marine agency services company BWA who are partnering to offer owners an unprecedented on and off water experience. “Superyachts are like birds of a feather, they flock together. And we’ll be well prepared for them in 2017,” Bill Hanbury, CEO of Bermuda Tourism Authority comments at the conference. And there is plenty of evidence to substantiate this claim.

In preparation for the event, new legislation is coming into play under a specially created America’s Cup Act, simplifying everything from customs clearance and immigration to charter legislation and cruising permits – and new infrastructure is also well underway, including a new America’s Cup Village, complete with stern-to berths for superyachts.

Stefano Tossitti, CEO of BWA Yachting comments, “we have the expertise necessary to deliver a truly amazing experience for superyacht owners.” The program includes front row viewing in the VIP area, designated berthing across three locations, access to pit lane base tours and prize giving ceremonies. Outside of the America’s Cup races, there will also be a Superyacht Regatta and a J Class Regatta.  

Sam Hollis adds, “Superyachts are a central part of the experience. Unlike in San Francisco where there were no sailing teams based in the venue and you could only see 25% of the race course, in Bermuda all of the teams will be based in Royal Navy Dockyard from where you can see the whole race course. Superyachts will be right front and centre in the middle of that action.”

Small wonder that half of the berths have already been reserved for the event.

Click here to become part of The Superyacht Group community, and join us in our mission to make this industry accessible to all, and prosperous for the long-term. We are offering access to the superyacht industry’s most comprehensive and longstanding archive of business-critical information, as well as a comprehensive, real-time superyacht fleet database, for just £10 per month, because we are One Industry with One Mission. Sign up here.