The community is being urged to support Team BDA as its members prepare to compete against some of the world’s top young sailors.

The all-Bermudian squad is due to compete in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, racing in the Great Sound, and is completely reliant on donations and sponsorship.

Yesterday, Team BDA spokesman Glenn Jones said: “What better way to honour Bermuda Day than to invest in a group of young Bermudians who are embarking on a journey like none other our country has seen before? I hope over the next couple of days people get online and give what they can.”

Olympic hopeful Flora Duffy said she understood how financial help could be a huge boost in terms of training and support facilities.

“Those things can make a difference to the very fine margins which can mean winning and coming second,” the triathlete added. “This is Bermuda’s team, racing in Bermuda for Bermuda, and I really hope people help with the fundraising.

“The young Bermudians who will represent their country deserve to have every possible advantage.”

No public funds will be used on the team and no funding is provided through the America’s Cup Event Authority. A $200,000 local fundraising drive has been launched and has already collected more than $10,000 in donations.

Those wishing to donate can go to www.acbda.bm and click on the Team BDA logo where it says “Support Your Home Team”.

Donors will receive a gift. If you give between $25 and $49 online, you will get a Team BDA wristband, while between $50 and $99 will mean you receive branded sunglasses. A Team BDA T-shirt will go to those who give between $100 and $249.

For those who donate $250 or more they will get a gift of a Team BDA duffel bag. A gift of at least $500 earns the donor all four gifts. All donors will be automatically entered into a draw to win exclusive Team BDA racing gear and a helmet.

“I understand that there are a lot of demands on people’s money but this event is not only good for Bermuda in the short-term, it has the opportunity to make a lasting impact,” Duffy said.

“The depth of talent of the Team BDA members speaks volumes about the incredible talent that already exists, but the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup can help to nurture future athletes and sailors who could go on to represent Bermuda on the world stage.”

Six youth crews will compete in Bermuda through their affiliation with America’s Cup teams. Up to ten additional teams will be selected by Red Bull Youth America’s Cup sport directors Roman Hagara and Hans-Peter Steinacher before the end of November.

They will then race in a qualifying series to determine the top eight who will face off in two days of fleet racing scheduled during the week between the America’s Cup Finals.

The Team BDA training schedule is June 4 to 12, July 4 to 10, July 16 to 23, August 8 to 19 and September 10 to 17.