Video: SailGP & BTA Say ‘Thanks’ To Bermuda
The Bermuda Tourism Authority and SailGP released a message of thanks to Bermuda, with the SailGP CEO saying “we owe a huge thanks to the people of Bermuda.”
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda Tourism Authority joined SailGP to release a message of thanks to Bermuda after a thrilling weekend of racing in the Great Sound and months training on-island.
“Twelve elite SailGP athletes, including four from Great Britain’s winning team, joined the Premier in his capacity as Minister of Tourism in expressing gratitude to the people of Bermuda for the support shown for the global league’s Season 2 opener, the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess.”
SailGP CEO Russell Coutts said: “We owe a huge thanks to the people of Bermuda. These are challenging times, and it is through everyone’s support that we managed to put on such a spectacular show, in a safe way. Last weekend saw some of the best racing I have ever witnessed, and it really showcased Bermuda as the great venue that it is and a fantastic location to run international sporting events.”
“Bermuda basked in the international spotlight of two days of racing broadcast in over 175 territories, including key markets in the US and UK, at a vital time in Bermuda’s pandemic recovery period.
Tourism chief Charles H. Jeffers II shared, “As we continue to work towards the restoration of our island’s tourism economy, and the livelihoods of those in the industry, we welcome the global visibility our island enjoyed, particularly in critical gateway markets.
“The event was executed safely, seamlessly, and ended with a spectacular finish. What’s more, the organisation has delivered on significant community initiatives that will endure – positively impacting us economically, socially and environmentally.”
Premier David Burt said, “For Bermuda, Sail GP is much more than a weekend of adrenaline. Our partnership also creates a lasting legacy: From SAILGP team pairings with community sailing clubs; to youth engagement through the Endeavour and Inspire programmes; to virtual STEAM learning and career guidance, and Cedar & Sail, a public education campaign elevating the stories of Bermuda’s Maritime Heritage, particularly the contributions of Black sailors.”
The BTA said, “Event organisers, sponsors and the Bermuda Tourism Authority worked closely with the Ministries of Health and National Security, alongside other leading experts and medical professions with support from other major elite sports events, on creating and implementing a robust COVID-Safe plan.
“The stringent measures – included creating and living in designated bubble environments that ensure absolutely no external contact, daily health reports and regular testing – have allowed other professional sports to operate worldwide in locked down countries and was successfully executed for the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix.
“However, as the event drew near, the Bermuda Government responded to a surge in locally transmitted Covid-19 cases, and organisers initiated major changes to the programme. As a result, the hospitality programme was cancelled, and the on-site team headcount was reduced by half.
“The video featured Richard Mason, Luke Parkinson, Hannah Mills and Neil Hunter of Great Britain’s winning SailGP team alongside representatives from the New Zealand, Spain and Australia teams with a special message from the Premier of Bermuda.”
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Yes please please come back and Bermuda lets do our utmost to get them to come back, hopefully under better circumstances other than covid and bad weather. In my humble opinion even better than the Americas cup. What about getting the J Boat class to come back as well at same time.
Who was the guy with the pink tie?
All good, it was excellent but the unvarnished hypocrisy of Burt makes me want to vomit. A lasting legacy?
We had that in 2017 and you and all the idiot PLP’ers moaned about billionaires and their boats.
Thank you Sail GP, but Burt makes a big deal about the weekend event. The America’s Cup in 2017 took place over 2 years and was the foundation and legacy for the Endeavor program, STEM, youth sailing, mega yachts and more. Without the AC, Sail GP would not have come to Bermuda.
“Twelve elite SailGP athletes, including four from Great Britain’s winning team, joined the Premier in his capacity as Minister of Tourism in expressing gratitude to the people of Bermuda for the support shown for the global league’s Season 2 opener, the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess”
No, no, no! That must be a lie! After all the harm that Americas Cup did to Bermuda there is no way our beloved Premier would be “expressing gratitude to the people of Bermuda for the support” of Americas Cup light!
Well, to be fair, Burt was too busy involved in protests to prevent the lawful operation of Parliament.