The ten SailGP teams competing in the upcoming Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix have partnered with local clubs and community groups as part of the global league’s Adopt a Club programme.

Clubs partnering with SailGP teams can look forward to visits to the teams’ bases at the SailGP Tech Site and seeing the high-performance F50 catamarans, which are capable of reaching speeds of close to 100km per hour. The ten international teams will also be hosted by the local clubs, learning about their experiences and programmes as well as meeting their members.

The German Sail Gp team have partnered with East End Mini Yacht-Club, with Spanish Point Boat Club teaming up with Australia. The Mid Atlantic Boat Club will get to hang out with the “Black Foils”, New Zealand’s SailGP Team, while USA’s crew will get a trip to the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club.

Sandys Boat Club will receive a prestigious visit from the Emirates GBR team, while France head to the St George’s Dinghy & Sports Club. The R Royal Bermuda Yacht Club will host Team Denmark with West End Sailboat Club members get up close and personal with the Spanish team.

Endeavour West Fort will be socialising with Canada’s SailGP team. while Endeavour East will learn about the Switzerland team’s efforts.

There is plenty of local excitement surrounding the arrival of the world’s best sailors with Hal Kempe, Rear commodore of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club excited by their presence on island.

“We're thrilled to welcome Nicolai Sehested and the Danish Team back for the third year,” Kempe said.

“This partnership not only strengthens our ties with the global sailing community but also creates exciting legacy opportunities that inspire the next generation of Bermudian sailors and maritime professionals through programmes like Inspire Careers and Inspire Waspz Racing.”

Darren Souza, commodore of Spanish Point Boat Club, is looking forward to hosting the Australian team.

“Being a part of SailGP's Adopt-a-Club programme means more than just a partnership,” Souza said.

“It's a gateway to unparalleled opportunities and experiences. Being part of this initiative allows our club and its members to engage with the global sailing community, while fostering camaraderie and skill development.

“SailGP's support empowers us to enhance our facilities, promote youth sailing, and participate in thrilling events that inspire the next generation of sailors. Through this collaboration, we envision a future where our club thrives, united in our passion for the sport and dedicated to its continued growth.”

St George’s Dinghy and Sports Club are delighted to open up their doors to the travelling French crew.

"The Saint George Dinghy and Sports Club is excited to be paired up with the French team again this year,“ commodore Lacey Rance said.

“With our Club’s, and island’s, rich history in sailing, this opportunity to support SailGP is a natural pairing. We hope that the young sailors of our island truly take advantage of the amazing WASZP programme opportunity. SailGP is proof that sailing can open doors to the world for any age."

Schereene Outerbridge, Head of Event for Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, cannot wait for the sailors to get a taste of Bermudian hospitality.

“The Adopt-a-Club programme, now in its third year, is an incredible opportunity for local sailors and sailing enthusiasts to get an insight into the world of high performance racing,” Outerbridge said.

“It’s also a wonderful chance for these international teams to connect and engage with the local community and enjoy our famous Bermudian hospitality.”

The Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix will take place on Saturday and Sunday with tickets available for purchase online.

The event’s festivities include a live concert by soca sensation, Kes the Band, following the opening day of racing.