LuxeGetaways Magazine – Spring 2017 | This year, the world’s best sailors will compete for the 35th America’s Cup trophy – the oldest prize in international sports history dating back to 1851. For the first time in the competition’s history, Bermuda’s Great Sound will be the location for this year’s spectacular event presented by Louis Vuitton.
For the past 160 years, this intense international yachting competition has given rise to long-lasting and passionate rivalries. The United States held the longest winning run with an impressive 132-year streak before a crushing defeat by the Australians in 1983.
The Race
Oracle Team USA are the defending champions from 2010 and 2013, and are looking for a three-peat win against stiff competition from challengers Artemus Racing, Emirates Team New Zealand, Groupama Team France, Land Rover BAR, and SoftBank Team Japan.
The 35th America’s Cup syndicate promises that viewers will see the fastest boats ever (hydrofoils, known as daggerboards minimize the drag, and lift the hulls out of the water). At speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour, the sport is also attracting new fans in recent years who are fascinated by the “danger” element alone.
The Competitors
The skipper and crew train like madmen – better, fitter and stronger are the goals for each syndicate member. Rome Kirby, a tactician for Oracle Team USA says the crew is currently working out twice daily in the gym (morning lifts for an hour, and an hour of cardio in the afternoon) in addition to sailing four hours per day. Kirby adds, “It’s different every week, but is usually six days a week. However, the last two weeks have been seven days a week. If I’m not too tired from the week of training I enjoy spearfishing, kiteboarding or surfing.” On those rare “free” days, Kirby favors Horseshoe Bay as his preferred beach, and the Pearl Restaurant for great eats.
The Venue
The racecourse is stadium sailing in Bermuda’s Great Sound. Official spectator boats will be in the on-water spectator areas, and the finish line will be visible on land from the bustling America’s Cup Village at the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Bermuda itself is a mere 21 square miles made up of 181 tiny islands. Naturally a country with ever-present wind, clear blue water and deep channels is a perfect vacation spot for sailing enthusiasts. Sailors love this place!
Things to Do
Miles of coastline with pink sandy beaches are spread around the main island, and reachable by taxi, bus or moped. Surfing, cliff-diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding are but a few of the local activities that visitors enjoy.
Bermudians love a great party. The America’s Cup Village will host daily activities centered around the races, but will also have entertainment geared towards visitors who are simply seeking an opportunity to become better acquainted with the beautiful island.
Surrounding the area of Hamilton are dozens of unique shops, restaurants and bars. There are two favorite beverages on the islands. Bermuda’s own Gosling’s Rum is famous for the sailors’ legendary Dark ‘N’ Stormy cocktail. Start with a tall glass filled with ice, then add Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer and finally pour in Gosling’s Black Seal Rum. Stirring this concoction creates the illusion of a storm cloud. Hearty sailors fear, but secretly love a good storm – and this drink is no exception. The other libation adored by all is the Bermuda Rum Swizzle served and consumed in large quantities at the original Swizzle Inn near the airport. Many sailors and tourists alike have resembled the local saying, “Swizzle Inn, stagger out” so have fun, but be forewarned and plan your taxi ride home ahead of time.
Tip: There are no rental cars for tourists on the island. The best ways to get around are via the bus system that runs different routes on loops and is quite convenient, or taxicabs. You can book a ride with a taxi via the online app, Hitch. (www.hitch.bm)
For more information on Bermuda, please visit www.gotobermuda.com
America’s Cup Village
www.americascup.com/en/bermuda.html
Pearl Restaurant
87 Front St.
Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda
Royal Naval Dockyard
Ireland Island North, Bermuda
www.dockyardbermuda.com
Bermuda Goslings Rum
www.goslingsrum.com
Swizzle Inn
3 Blue Hole Hill, CR 04, Bermuda
www.swizzleinn.com
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