A “Reclaim Summer” week on the water is to be held to boost visitor numbers and resident spending in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bermuda Tourism Authority said yesterday.

Glenn Jones, the interim chief executive of the BTA, said the Bermuda Catamaran and Yacht Week was the result of a collaboration that involved marinas, charter boat operators, event planners and caterers.

Mr Jones added: “We are energised by this opportunity for our stakeholders to reclaim revenue lost this summer due to Covid-19 and for travellers to reclaim some of the adventure they couldn’t access.

“Bermuda is safer than just about any destination welcoming visitors and offers a climate our target audience finds desirable.

“This gives the island a golden opportunity to set itself apart with open-air experiences that are distinct to our island lifestyle and Covid-safe.”

A BTA spokeswoman said the event was one of several intended to encourage spending by residents and engage visitors to return to the island.

She added: “Catamaran and Yacht Week, filled with summer-like activities, is strategically placed in the October calendar to overlap with the influx of visitors for sailing’s Bermuda Gold Cup, golf’s Bermuda Championship and rugby’s inaugural World Tens Series.

“All three sporting events start between October 24 to 26 and run through the end of the month.”

The yacht week will start on October 23 with a Catamaran Flotilla on the Great Sound and Marina Nights festivities at the Hamilton Princess and the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club.

A Catamaran Rally will be held on October 24 and a “Breakfast and Bubbles” cruise is scheduled for October 25, which will feature a traditional Bermudian codfish breakfast and champagne.

A Spirit of Bermuda dinner cruise will be held on October 30 and the week will end with a Float Up Movie near Hawkins Island on October 31.

The spokeswoman said that additional Catamaran and Yacht Week events were being planned and that all of them would stick to strict Covid-19 restrictions.