Not enough Bermudians are seizing the opportunity to watch a top line-up of international sportsmen competing on their home surf.

Despite hailing the success of another King Edward VII Gold Cup, Commodore of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC) Les Crane laments that more locals are not getting involved in the one-week sailing spectacle that repeatedly brings a stellar cast of skippers to race in Hamilton Harbour.

"It's one the premier sailing regattas in the world and it always amazes me that Bermudians don't realise the level of event that it is. There's no other event in Bermuda that has the world's best - not just one superstar but all of the superstars.

"It's like having the top 15 golfers or top 15 tennis players here for a tournament. It just doesn't happen. In sailing, it does happen.

"It happens because of the Gold Cup's reputation, sponsorship and the organisation behind it."

The Gold Cup, he noted, continued to enhance Bermuda's reputation in the international sailing community. This year's regatta saw the likes of America's Cup campaigners Russell Coutts, Dean Barker, Chris Dickson, Dennis Conner and Peter Gilmour battling for honours alongside some of Europe's best including Jesper Radich and Jes Gram-Hansen. There was also a Bermudian presence, compliments Peter Bromby and Paula Lewin.

"It was just fabulous. We had the best group of racers here that we have ever had and we had the best weather for sailing too. There were good winds, sometimes shifty which made for exciting sailing.

"There was only one day when we were delayed," said Crane, very pleased with the Gold Cup's 55th edition.

However, he revealed plans were afoot to push forward with the regatta's development and RBYC was working with the Department of Tourism to get the word about this sporting spectacle even further abroad.

"We want more visitors coming to Bermuda to watch the racing. We've had some growth in that area but we're working with the Department to promote it along the eastern seaboard.

"We've sent letters to all the yacht clubs and sailing associations in that area and around the USA and Canada, inviting their members to come down to Bermuda.

"In addition, there's a lot of word of mouth that's going on, especially from people who have been here.

"It's absolutely the best spectator sailing that's available - much more interesting than the America's Cup."

Crane added that response to recent changes to the Gold Cup format - particularly the Bermuda International Women's Match Racing Championship - had been well received.

"It's the leading prize money in women's match racing and it's a wonderful opportunity for female sailors," said Crane of the women's component started last year.

This year's inaugural Renaissance Reinsurance Junior Gold Cup also gave more flavour to the programme and brought together 30 Optimist sailors from ten countries including the host nation.