ACBDA: ‘Legacy Impact Already Developing’
America’s Cup Bermuda said they are “pleased to see the legacy impact that is already developing as a result of the 35th America’s Cup being hosted by Bermuda.”
The ACBDA said, “This week’s announcement that an Oyster Yachts Regatta has been scheduled for Bermuda in 2018, is testament to the global reach and credibility that Bermuda is already experiencing as a result of hosting the America’s Cup in 2017.
“The announcement was made by the Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] over the weekend and would not have been a reality if the 35th America’s Cup was not being held in Bermuda next summer.
A look back at the America’s Cup World Series in Bermuda last year:
“The further development of Bermuda’s marine and hospitality industries will be enhanced as more large-scale events such as this, choose Bermuda as their destination. The supporting industries such as marine repair, fuel, food, concierge and other support services will expand locally to meet the ongoing increased demand.
“This is one part of the long-term and continuing benefits that America’s Cup brings to Bermuda’s small and medium businesses and their employees.
“A number of other regattas have either happened or are scheduled to take place as a result of AC35. Last December, Bermuda hosted the Amlin Moth Regatta and in March, the RC44 Regatta was held here for the first time.
“The second Moth regatta is scheduled for December 3-9 this year and a few weeks earlier, the Viper 640 International Championships will take place from November 16-19.
:Additionally, the Antigua to Bermuda race, which is designed to bring yachts to Bermuda in time to enjoy the America’s Cup racing next year, is scheduled to depart Antigua on May 12.
“The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club is working in association with Antigua Sailing Week and 30 to 50 yachts are expected. It’s the first of its kind and will help to stimulate the economy even further for AC35.”
Mike Winfield, CEO, ACBDA, says: “We are delighted to hear of yet another legacy opportunity arising from Bermuda hosting the America’s Cup. The spotlight on Bermuda that we anticipated as one of the positive factors of hosting AC35, is already bearing fruit.”
“We have been fortunate to have hosted, or being scheduled to host, a number of sailing events already and the Oyster Regatta is another significant development for Bermuda. It is very gratifying to see an event of this prominence booking their event in Bermuda post 2017. We expect more will be coming.”
OK, this is a legacy in terms of events coming here, which is clearly great news and will continue to keep Bermuda on the map. Can the ACBDA maybe estimate the legacy in terms of economic impact because, at the end of the day, that is what really matters: money and jobs.
It would also be interesting to see if other non-sailing events were coming/were interested in coming.
I know it’s the elephant in the room, but there is a lot of cynicism about who sailing is actually for and it might assuage the cynics and the ne’re do wells.
Archy, whatever the number is I bet it isn’t zero or less which is what we would have gotten if we hadn’t been hosting the Americas Cup!
that’s kind of like saying pigs really don’t fly, ie a statement of the obvious. What would be more interesting is how it is affecting the grass roots and in what way.
How about the sustainability part of ACBDA’s mandate? How’s that shaping up Mr. Winfield? With 7 months to go it would be good to hear how the ACBDA are actually getting on with planning and organizing for the likes of waste management and transportation for the Americas Cup etc. There won’t be any legacy to speak of if you don’t get these right the first time around!
They do have a dollar value for the legacy effect. It was released a while ago along with other projected numbers. Can’t remember exactly but I think the number was around $40m.