THRILLING RACES

THE BERMUDA SAIL GRAND PRIX IS ONE OF THE EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED.

AFTER SPECTACULARLY OPENING the third season of the international racing league SailGP, Bermuda will host one of the final events of season four as the championship nears its concluding stages in May 2024. One of the events of the year and not to be missed, the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix sees the island transformed into a giant event village for the week, with a host of corporate and public events and, of course, the most exciting racing on water in front of packed shorelines on the weekend of May 4–5, 2024. Racing takes place in the turquoise waters of Bermuda’s Great Sound, and the event is presented in cooperation with the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA), an official host and partner.

BERMUDA IS JUST ONE STOP ON A WORLDWIDE TOUR THAT ALSO VISITS DESTINATIONS LIKE SYDNEY, SAINTTROPEZ, SAN FRANCISCO, AND MANY MORE.

Season four starts in June 2023 with the Rolex United States Sail Grand Prix at Chicago’s Navy Pier. Nine national teams representing Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States will battle in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, capable of speeds of 100 km/h. Bermuda is just one stop on a worldwide tour that also visits destinations like Sydney, SaintTropez, San Francisco, and many more.

SailGP remains committed to offsetting its carbon footprint at each event as a climate-positive sports and entertainment competition. Bermuda has agreed to the league’s Climate Action

Charter and is committed to local impact projects focusing on clean energy and ocean conservation. A portion of all tickets sold for this event will be donated directly to the U.N.’s renewable energy project.

Additionally, SailGP is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through the Women’s Pathway, designed to highlight female involvement in the competition. The SailGP Inspire programme gives young people from diverse backgrounds access to the sport and career opportunities within the maritime industry.

For those looking for an island getaway, you can purchase spectator tickets to this thrilling event. Spectators can select waterfront access with spectacular viewpoints of the adrenaline-fueled action or on-water experiences for the closest vantage point to the races. If you can’t make it in person, you can watch the twoday, worldwide live-televised event or catch all the action via real-time video feeds on the SailGP app.

As an island territory in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda’s sailing legacy is integral to its 400-year-old history. The 21-square-mile seafaring nation invented the iconic Bermuda Rig, which is still used on sailing yachts around the world today. This makes Bermuda and SailGP a perfect partnership for 2024 and beyond.

INSIDER’S GUIDE

With so many sporting adventures to fill your itinerary, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for in Bermuda. Here are our top picks for what to do.

Bda Watersports

Robinson’s Marina, Somerset Bridge

Middle Rd., Somerset Tel: 234-0914 www.bdawatersports.com

At Bermuda’s longest-running watersport facility, they offer a vast array of waterbased activities that are bound to quench your thirst for adventure. Whether it’s traversing Bermuda’s turquoise waters at high speeds on their tailored Jet Ski tours, cruising the mangroves on a self-driven pontoon boat, or getting close to nature on one of their iconic clear kayaks and paddleboards, the choices are endless. Join them and bring the whole family for an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

CAPTAIN KIRK’S CORAL REEF ADVENTURES

Dockyard Watersports Centre

Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys Tel: 232-KIRK (5475) www.kirksadventures.com

Captain Kirk’s Coral Reef

Adventures offers a huge range of boat tours and private charters. Daily tour options in the summer include snorkelling, glass bottom and sightseeing, fishing, evening cruises, and even a brandnew water park onboard the MV Longtail. These tours all depart from Royal Naval Dockyard, and there’s an option for any budget or any type of traveller. The fleet is also available for charter; with nine different boats to choose from — including a brand-new 65-foot catamaran, Good Vibrations; a 55-foot glass-bottom motor cruiser, Bottom Peeper; and, of course, for the royal treatment, step aboard MV Elizabeth Her simple elegance sets it amongst the most luxurious destinations in Bermuda, and she is equipped to make your experience both magical and memorable — your options are endless. Their smaller boats are perfect for intimate settings, and their larger boats come equipped with a full bar, stereo system, lights, and an upper- and lower-deck dance floor for a great party atmosphere. These boats are perfect for celebrating your special events like birthdays, weddings, themed parties, and even whale watching. Get in contact to start arranging your dream tour or charter today.

CASTAWAY CHARTERS

Tel: 505-0855 www.castawaybermuda.com

Join a tour or book a private charter. Castaway Charters offers regularly scheduled group snorkel tours, and they are available every day for private charters. They operate in the East End of Bermuda and frequent the secluded beaches and sandbars of Castle Island, an area that may be considered the most beautiful place in Bermuda.

Experience snorkelling on pristine reefs and shipwrecks inside the Nonsuch Island nature preserve or enjoy sunsets whilst hanging out with the turtles in Bailey’s Bay. Please call them for more information or to make a booking.

HAKUNA MATATA CHARTERS

Tel: 505-1611

Facebook: Hakuna Matata

Fishing Bermuda

Instagram: @hakuna_matata_charters

Welcome to Hakuna Matata Charters, Bermuda’s top charter boat. A 51-foot custom Carolina, Hakuna Matata will get you out to the fishing grounds fast and in comfort. With over 55 years of experience between Captain Scott Barnes and his father,

Michael Barnes, their team knows how to get you on the fish! Hakuna Matata Charters also offers cruising charters, birthday parties, booze cruises with friends, office parties, or just a fun day out on the beautiful waters of Bermuda. Hakuna Matata will give you the best day on the water with the best crew and on the best charter boat in Bermuda. Hakuna Matata: it means no worries!

Island Tour Centre

Dockyard Watersports Centre

Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys Tel: 236-1300 www.islandtourcentre.com

This is Bermuda’s No. 1 provider of recreational sightseeing tours, activities, and charters. With over 25 years of local tour experience, countless options, easy online reservations, and a conveniently located booking office, Island Tour Centre is the first stop for your best Bermuda vacation experience ever. Choose from unbeatable snorkelling opportunities, awardwinning eco- and adventure tours, leisurely sightseeing excursions, informative island explorations, and boat cruises to suit every taste imaginable. If you prefer to explore on your own, their knowledgeable staff can assist you with boat rentals and private charter options — from pontoon boats to yachts, they have it all. Visit their website, call, or drop by their booking office, which is conveniently located within walking distance of the bus, ferry, and Dockyard cruise ship terminals. cocktail cruises glass bottom tours snorkeling fishing shipwreck snorkel sunset cruises catamaran sailing private parties sightseeing weddings floating water park speedboat rides booze cruises call: 441-232-KIRK info@kirksadventures.com www.kirksadventures.com kirksadventuresbermuda kirksadventures

BY VANESSA MOLINA SANTAMARIA