The dark ‘n’ stormy is to become the official drink of the worldwide America’s Cup series of races — and maker Gosling’s hopes to boost sales by up to 20 per cent a year in the lead-up to the 2017 finals.

The Island’s iconic Gosling’s rum and the firm’s ginger beer — which together make a dark ‘n’ stormy — have been made official partners of the America’s Cup.

The news means the distinctive Black Seal logo will be seen across the world in yacht races in the run-up to the finals in Bermuda in 2017.

Malcolm Gosling, president of Gosling-Castle Partners, the firm’s international export arm, said: “It’s certainly going to increase awareness — and with our history in sailing in many parts of the north-east of America back to 1906 with the Newport Bermuda Race, it’s a natural fit.”

Mr Gosling declined to discuss the cost of the sponsorship — but confirmed it was the largest in the firm’s history.

He said: “All I can say it was negotiated in a way so we have a mutually beneficial arrangement.

“This is the largest sponsorship we’ve ever been involved with and we’re putting all our resources behind it.”

Mr Gosling said Black Seal branded bars — which will include Bermuda tourism site gotobermuda.com — will feature at the upcoming races in Portsmouth, England.

He added: “This is a great deal which will allow sampling opportunities. These large sporting events like the America’s Cup will enable us to do a lot of that.

“We’re looking for fairly good growth over the next few years. Each market is different, but overall we’re looking at 15 to 20 per cent year on year.”

He added: “It was a natural for Gosling’s to get involved in the America’s Cup in Bermuda. We have a deep maritime heritage and have been involved in major sailing events almost since day one.”

He added: “This represents a great opportunity to show the world the best qualities of Bermuda.”

America’s Cup commercial commissioner Harvey Schiller said: “One of the keys to making this America’s Cup a success is to have strong partnerships.

“In Gosling’s we have a partner who shares our values of tradition and innovation and is as excited as we are that the America’s Cup will engage fans around the world for the next two years leading into the final races in Bermuda in 2017.

Bermuda will play host to its first America’s Cup races when the world series comes to the Island in October.

The firm since 2004 has been spearheading an international expansion of the brand, led by Malcolm Gosling.

Gosling’s is the first Bermuda official partner of the America’s Cup, although law firm Appleby, professional services company PwC, the Bank of Butterfield and insurance firm BF&M have already been appointed official suppliers to the 135-year-old event.

Gosling’s began in Bermuda in 1806 and the firm is in its seventh generation of the family’s ownership.

The firm’s portfolio of products includes Black Seal Rum, Gosling’s Gold Bermuda Rum, a Gosling’s Family Reserve Old Rum, as well as Gosling’s Stormy Ginger Beer and a ready-to-drink dark ‘n’ stormy in a can.