The ladies ruled the roost at the America’s Cup Village yesterday as they enjoyed an exciting day of music, fashion and relaxation.

With the racing postponed due to lack of wind there were added activities throughout the day including photo ops with the coveted America’s Cup itself — the Auld Mug.

The day started with a fashion show on the main stage including local designers Tabs, Hamec Bermuda and Dana Cooper.

Madison Brewer came along with 15 of her friends to support designers Cary Butterfield and Patricia Borland of Hamec Bermuda. She said: “We are at the front because my son was just in the fashion show for Tabs. We all decided to take the day off and come up with our friends. All 15 of us wore their designs in support.”

Margot Clarke was also with a group of women who were at the front of the stage watching her son model in the show. “We love dressing up and being the centre of attention,” she said. “My son Ethan was just in the fashion show for Tabs. He did fabulous — it is not his first fashion show. He has been modelling since he was six — he’s ten now. He would like to do it professionally.

“We wanted to come because it is Ladies’ Day and we like to dress up — any excuse to dress up. We plan to party, socialise and see who we can see.”

Marcelo Thomas was giving massages in the sunshine on behalf of Exhale at the Hamilton Princess — the official hotel of the America’s Cup. Mr Thomas said: “I have had a constant flow from 11.30am. I have been enjoying meeting everyone and they are enjoying the work. This is the perfect day to do it ... every woman wants to be pampered. I am doing basic neck and back massage and trying to get as much relief and relaxation for the day as possible.”

Veteran broadcaster Tucker Thompson interviewed Craig Cannonier, the Minister of Public Works, on the grandstand during the pre-show to discuss the new infrastructure at the Village.

He told the crowd that more bottles of Moet had been sold than the number of people in the village.

Mr Cannonier said after his broadcast interview: “It was a mammoth task to reclaim this nine acres of land but we were able to pull it off and the final result is what you see here.

“It got a bit hairy sometimes preparing for the deadline but everyone was working together.” Asked about his experience at the 35th America’s Cup, Mr Cannonier added: “I was here for the opening and several members of my family are already up here today. I will be up here throughout the month, we need to celebrate this. I would encourage Bermudians please come up — celebrate our history is in sailing.

“This is an opportunity to see the top level of sailing in the world and out of this will come a generation of sailors. I am sure — it is fantastic.”

Local musicians entertained the ladies throughout the day with an exhilarating performances from the likes of Gita Blakeney, Cindy Smith and Cassie Caines. The lounges around the village were full despite the lack of racing.

Martine Purssell, the organiser of Bermuda’s long held Round the Island Seagull Race, has been involved in Bermuda’s maritime traditions for years. Enjoying the exclusive setting of the Longtail Lounge, she said: “I think it showcases Bermuda and I am so proud of Bermuda that we have actually done it — I am in absolute awe. The fact that Bermuda youths are involved to me is an extra plus.

“I have been involved in various forms of racing for Bermuda and I love seeing the youth getting involved. This is Bermuda’s tradition. I am getting e-mails from ex co-workers at Marsh saying they are watching Bermuda on the TV. It reminds people of what Bermuda used to be like.”

Gemma Wood, who used to live in Bermuda but left for her native England, was also in the Longtail Lounge enjoying drinks with a group of girlfriends.

“It’s a UK holiday and it happened to coincide with this week,” she said. “Some of my girlfriends organised the day and it is one of our friends’ birthdays and she is out on the chaser boat. It has been buzzing up here. We have been here all day, done a bit of shopping. It has been amazing.”

Bryan Schofield from Tampa, Florida is here on a mix of work in the insurance industry and America’s Cup. “We are behind the US team. It is my first time at any America’s Cup and my first time in Bermuda. It is beautiful — there are definitely worse places to be. This place is paradise, the people are very friendly. I am having a wonderful time here.”

In the bustling Gosling’s Island Bar, Lyndy Thatcher and her friends donned Gosling’s hats she had decorated for her girlfriends. She said: “We have all been friends for 40 or 50 years and we are all Bermudian. Hello Bermuda — how wonderful is this? You look at the media across the world, we look absolutely wonderful.”