The Bermuda Tourism Authority today joined Hamilton Princess & Beach Club and SailGP to mark the 100-day countdown to the opening event of the global league’s third season, set for May 14th – 15th. The occasion was observed with the unveiling of a countdown clock at the Bermuda Visitors Service Center and the introduction of the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix Steering Committee.
Bermuda will once again host the opening event in the purpose-led, global league’s third season which has expanded to include ten teams – with new additions Canada and Switzerland joining the ranks. Early Bird tickets offering a 15% discount to see the fast-paced, high-flying F50s on the Great Sound – driven by the sports best athletes – go on-sale at SailGP.com/Bermuda on Friday, February 4th.
To support the event planning and local execution of the Grand Prix, Steering Committee appointees include business and community leaders such as Paul Scope - Chairman, Mark Clarke - Deputy Chairman, Raymond Lambert, Erika Smith, Susan Pateras, Alan Burland, and Lyndon Raynor. The committee membership represents stakeholders whose backgrounds span local and international sailing, logistics, fundraising expertise, international business, and community engagement.
“The Bermuda Sail Grand Prix Steering Committee has been assembled to champion economic and social engagement opportunities across our community, including local stakeholders, non-profits, community boating, social clubs, and entrepreneurs,” said Charles H. Jeffers II, CEO, Bermuda Tourism “We intend to use the event to pursue broad community participation and celebrate Bermuda’s rich sailing heritage.”
Julien di Biase, Chief Operating Officer, SailGP said, “We are excited to start the countdown to the Season 3 opener today and welcome the appointment of the diverse group of community representatives that will form the Steering Committee. As an organization committed to ensuring a positive impact on our host destinations, the Committee will serve a valuable role in identifying community engagement opportunities from the ground up and we look forward to working with them over the next 100 days to deliver a fantastic event that can be enjoyed by everyone on the Island.”
Tim Morrison, General Manager, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club said: “Hamilton Princess is proud to be the title sponsor for SailGP in Bermuda for the second year running. They have demonstrated the value that they deliver to the island as a whole and to tourism in particular. The global visibility of this event has been an invaluable tool and has showcased Bermuda beautifully. We eagerly mark the countdown over the next 100 days and look forward to celebrating with guests and locals alike.”
Andrew Dias, General Manager, WEDCO said, “The West End Development Corporation looks forward to once again coming on board as SailGP host venue and partner in Bermuda. SailGP presents us with the perfect opportunity to showcase the infrastructure of the historic Royal Naval Dockyard.”
Chairman Scope said, “We are delighted to be reprising our roles from last year to support SailGP here in Bermuda. Last year, a lot of the heavy lifting was done by the committee, establishing our objectives which we will build on this year. With the goal of more spectators on the sound and hospitality events on land this year the event will be very exciting and beneficial to Bermuda. We saw, already, last year, the extremely high level of racing which is sure to thrill the crowd.”
Deputy Chair Clarke added, “Excited is an understatement. We are thrilled about the return of SailGP for Seasons 3 & 4. Sailing is in the DNA of every Bermudian and we have made it our mission to highlight our diverse maritime heritage. We will continue bridge-building with the community, and the clubs, including youth sailing activities that capture our imaginations.”
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