Want to watch the America’s Cup free?

If so there will be plenty of viewing points where the public can do exactly that.

While thousands are expected to converge on Dockyard, where the America’s Cup Village is located, others can witness all of the action without boarding a spectator boat or travel west.

The Department of Parks has cleared several areas from which the public can enjoy unobstructed views of the races on the Great Sound. There will be no cost, and the public can use the areas on a first come first served basis.

The specially cleared locations include an area of Spanish Point Park known as Pontoons, an area of the western Railway Trail near Five Star Island, and an area of the Railway Trail near Fort Scaur.

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Park will also be available.

Environment minister Sylvan Richards said: “The America’s Cup races will be amazing to witness, and the Department of Parks wanted to make sure that everyone who wishes to view the races could do so. There is no charge and these areas are open to the public. In fact, unless major safety concerns arise, all our National Parks under the remit of the Department of Parks will be open for the entirety of the America’s Cup.”

Meanwhile, the department has advised that from May 26 to June 28, it will not be issuing special permission permits for events in the national parks — Spanish Point, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, Fort Scaur and the Western Railway Trail.

“This is to allow all patrons equal opportunity to enjoy the parks and view portions of the America’s Cup events from these key vantage points,” explained a statement.

“As a reminder, under the protection of the Act and its regulations, parking along the Railway Trail is prohibited, as is motorised traffic. Parking in the vicinity is limited.

“The department would also like to remind the public to be mindful of the Bermuda National Parks Act 1986 and its 1988 Regulations while using our national parks. The public are advised that it is an offence to litter, park vehicles in unauthorised areas, destroy vegetation, play music or run loud generators to the annoyance of others enjoying our parks.”

• For further information, visit www.gov.bm/department/parks or Department of Parks Notice