The Bermuda Tourism Authority and RenaissanceRe have committed to sponsoring this year’s Bermuda Gold Cup and Junior Gold Cup.

The BTA will sponsor the World Match Racing Tour Bermuda Gold Cup in partnership with the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, while locally based global reinsurance provider, RenaissanceRe, will jump on board for the main event as well as continue as title sponsor for the RenaissanceRe Junior Gold Cup.

Jon Corless, the event chairman and past RBYC commodore, says he and his fellow committee members are “very grateful” to have secured BTA and RenaissanceRe’s support.

“BTA has long been a supporter of the Gold Cup and RenaissanceRe has sponsored the Junior Gold Cup since its inception in 2002,” he added. “We’re thrilled to have both regattas up and running again.”

Hazel Clark, the BTA’s director of global business development and partnerships, is “thrilled” to support the Bermuda Gold Cup and its proud and rich legacy.

“This prestigious regatta showcases sailing at the highest level while highlighting the pristine natural beauty, great sailing conditions, and warm hospitality Bermuda is renowned for,” she said. “We’re happy to welcome the international sailors back to Bermuda.”

Bob Qutub, chief financial officer of RenaissanceRe, is looking forward to continuing the company’s support of both events.

“RenaissanceRe is proud to continue our longstanding sponsorships of the iconic Bermuda Gold Cup and the Junior Gold Cup,” he said. “We look forward to supporting our junior sailors as they compete and excel on the global stage in the upcoming 18th running,.”

The King Edward VII Trophy, awarded to the winner of the Bermuda Gold Cup, is the oldest trophy in the world for competition involving one-design yachts.

First presented in 1907 by King Edward VII at the Tri-Centenary Regatta at Jamestown, Virginia, honouring the 300th anniversary of the first permanent colony in America, the trophy is the only King’s Cup ever to be offered for competition in the United States that could be won outright.

Among the world’s elite sailors to have won the event are Sir Ben Ainslie, Chris Dickson, Peter Gilmour, Sir Russell Coutts and James Spithill.

Taylor Canfield, of the United States, won the regatta the last time it was held in 2020.

The event was due to return last year but was cancelled with a lack of sponsorship playing a significant factor in the decision to scrap plans.

The 2023 Bermuda Gold Cup will be held from October 2 to 7 and RenaissanceRe Junior Gold Cup from October 4 to 7.