SailGP returns to Bermuda for a second consecutive season opener after its spectacular Season 2 debut this past April.
Heart pounding excitement will reignite the local atmosphere with high-speed F50 foiling catamarans on the Great Sound for the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess on May 14th-15th, 2022.
The global league graces the Island’s pink sandy shores with a newly expanded roster, welcoming newcomers Switzerland and Canada to Season 3. They join teams from Australia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the United States.
Working with the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA), the league’s Official Host Partner, SailGP will be a marquee event in the spring of 2022 and 2023. The two-year agreement not only brings exceptional entertainment value to the 21 square mile island-nation, it also shines a spotlight on this mid-Atlantic jewel during its two-day broadcast in over 175 territories.
In addition to the BTA partnership, Season 3 will see the return of the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club as the Title Partner, West End Development Corporation (WEDCO) as the Official Venue Partner, along with Official Partners: leading offshore law firm Appleby, insurance firm BF&M, and leading independent offshore bank and trust company Butterfield Group. PwC is the Official Consulting Services Supplier, and quality food distributor Butterfield & Vallis is an Official Supplier.
Bermuda Tourism Authority CEO Charles H. Jeffers II said: “We’re thrilled to welcome SailGP back to the island for 2022 and 2023. While an island-wide lockdown disrupted the 2021 season, limiting spectator activities and visitor arrival numbers, SailGP organizers and athletes still pulled off a spectacular competition that injected a welcome economic boost into the economy. Meanwhile, the franchise put a high value global spotlight on our destination with coverage that reached over 89 million viewers in 60 countries and provided extended visibility throughout the season.”
Bermuda Tourism Authority Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Douglas Trueblood said: “The Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess supports our organization’s drive to entice groups and promote sports-centered visitor experiences. The media partnerships attached to SailGP delivered over 3 million dollars in advertising value in 2021 and are well aligned with our 2022 international marketing objectives.”
Adrenaline-fueled and purpose-driven, the league brings the most exciting racing on water – featuring world-class athletes – to iconic natural venues around the world, while engaging with communities, local sailing clubs, and organizations.
As part of SailGP’s better sport strategy, diversity and inclusion will be a continued focus for Season 3. The league will continue to give opportunities to female athletes as part of its Women’s Pathway Program – racing onboard the high-speed F50s throughout the season – to accelerate inclusion within the sport and inspire change.
Continuing relationships established in Bermuda from Season 2, SailGP will use its community-engagement arm – SailGP Inspire – to provide young people from diverse backgrounds with access to the sport and give career opportunities within the wider marine industry.
Bermuda Tourism Authority Director of Global Sales & Business Development, Hazel Clark, OLY, said, “SailGP brings world-class racing and marketing opportunities, and aligns with Bermuda’s tourism goals. Beyond those key business metrics we have embraced the values, purpose-driven initiatives and community centered programs that have made this event even more meaningful.”
