Foil Fest winners SoftBank Team Japan, along with their America’s Cup rivals Artemis Racing and Oracle Team USA, have raised $12,500 for charity.

But the biggest winners are The Reading Clinic and Centre Against Abuse who will benefit from the teams’ donation.

The Cup boats raced in three “drag races” last month just off the cruise ship berths in Dockyard in what was a new event for the island, during which the public were invited to their bases for a behind-the-scenes look at America’s Cup racing.

Dean Barker, skipper and CEO, SoftBank Team Japan, said: “Foil Fest was a great event and we were delighted to open our bases and welcome the public in. But we were even more thrilled to win the regatta and split our winnings between these two worthy charities who do so much for the island.”

The Reading Clinict promotes literacy and numeracy in Bermuda, providing assessments, tutoring and related interventions for children with dyslexia and learning difficulties.

Reading Clinic executive director Glenn Faries said “Many charities are facing challenges in this economic climate to be able to continue to provide quality programmes and services when there is less funding available and The Reading Clinic is no exception. We are thrilled to have been selected by SoftBank Team Japan as the beneficiary of the funds from the recent Foil Fest.

“It is wonderful that the America’s Cup teams are involving themselves in Bermuda’s community in this way. By giving back, they are truly demonstrating their commitment to Bermuda. We are deeply grateful for SoftBank Team Japan’s assistance as we seek to enable all Bermudians to reach their true potential and become valued contributing members of a thriving community. Together, with the help of SoftBank Team Japan, we will help our children learn, grow and soar.”

The Centre Against Abuse (CAA) is a non-profit organisation whose goal is to offer crisis services on domestic abuse and sexual assault and provide awareness on these topics.

CAA executive director Laurie Shiell said: “The Centre Against Abuse (CAA) is thankful and humbled at being chosen by Softbank Team Japan. Their heart to support CAA assists us in providing crisis services to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault here in Bermuda, and also supports our community awareness programmes.

“With 1 in 3 women and countless men in Bermuda being affecting by domestic abuse during their lifetime, we are thankful that Softbank Team Japan understands the importance of the work that CAA does as the only organisation in Bermuda working to provide crisis services to adult male and female survivors.”