The St George’s Marine Expo is making a comeback this month.

After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and title sponsor Rubis Energy Bermuda have announced that the event will be held on Sunday, April 24.

The Marine Expo was created to showcase the many businesses, organisations and opportunities involved in Bermuda’s maritime industry.

The initiative encourages activity in the Town of St George by targeting boating and marine enthusiasts from across the island.

For more than four years, a small committee consisting of representatives from BEDC, Bermuda Yacht Services, and the Corporation of St George has worked to create an exciting and engaging event in the Olde Towne.

Ray Lambert, BEDC micro, small and medium-enterprise director, said the organisation was “thrilled” to be presenting the event in partnership with Rubis.

He added: “This year’s event will be a welcome back to in-person events and many businesses in St George’s are looking forward to the lively atmosphere that is created.”

Anguel Anguelov, managing director of Rubis Energy Bermuda Ltd, said: “Rubis is honoured to once again be the title sponsor for Marine Expo 2022.

“We have partnered with the BEDC since the start of the Expo in 2016 and have seen this fun-filled industry showcase event become a signature community event in the Town of St George.

“We recognise the importance of Bermuda’s maritime heritage and our partnership with the BEDC provides an excellent way to not only celebrate our heritage, but also provide relief to the many area restaurants and businesses that have struggled during the pandemic and allow our local industry small businesses an appropriate stage to start the maritime season off for a revitalised 2022.”

Dennis Carter, junior MSME officer for BEDC and St George’s EEZ officer, added: “This year we are excited to have this event back on track. The Bermuda Power Boat Association have agreed to hold their season opener at the event, and we have been in discussions with Sail GP and the BTA on their superyacht initiative.”

He added: “Not only will we be focusing on the marine industry, but all St George’s businesses have the chance to benefit. We will be reinstituting the Olde Towne vendor market for the day.”

Mark Soares, president of Bermuda Yacht Services, said: “The event is important and a great opportunity to show your wares and services to the public. Ordnance Island is an excellent venue for the Expo, and we look forward to the continued success of this event.”

At the last Marine Expo held in 2019, 70 businesses and organisations participated with thousands of attendees.

With the date now set, the BEDC is encouraging interested sponsors and participants to contact them.

Contact Mr Carter at 292-5570 or dcarter@bedc.bm.