The Bermuda Tourism Authority has continued its partnership with the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in advance of the 2024 Bermuda Gold Cup (for the King Edward VII Gold Cup) and the inaugural 2024 Aspen Bermuda Women’s Match Race Regatta.

A hugely popular event with professional match racing sailors from around the world, the Bermuda Gold Cup winner’s list includes some of the most prominent names in professional sailing, including America’s Cup winners Russell Coutts from New Zealand (the Bermuda Gold Cup’s all-time winner with seven championships) James Spithill of Australia, as well as luminaries such as Ben Ainslie (Great Britain), Taylor Canfield (USA), Chris Dickson (NewZealand), Peter Gilmour (Australia) and Ian Williams (Great Britain).

First raced as a match race regatta in 1937, the King Edward VII Gold Cup was first awarded by King Edward VII at the 1907 Tri-Centenary.

This year also marks the first year for the newly created Aspen Bermuda Women’s Match Race Regatta, which features eight all-female match racing teams from seven nations. The regatta is the final event of the 2024 Women’s World Match Racing Tour with a $40,000 prize purse.

Hazel Clark, director of business development & partnerships at Bermuda Tourism Authority, is proud that the partnership is continuing.

“The Bermuda Tourism Authority is very proud to be partnering with the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in support of the club’s match racing events,” Clark said.

“We have long been a supporter of the iconic Gold Cup and we are particularly excited this year to support the addition of the Aspen Bermuda Women’s Match Race Regatta taking place at the same time.

“These events align with the BTA vision of inclusivity and equality for all, and particularly in women’s sport. We look forward to some spectacular action in the centre of Hamilton Harbour attracting match racing teams from around the world, as well as showcasing the unique beauty and hospitality that Bermuda offers.”

James Pleasance, executive director of the World Match Racing Tour, welcomed news of the deal.

“We are delighted to be back in Bermuda for the 72nd edition of the Bermuda Gold Cup,” he said.

“It is a truly historic event hosted by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and one of the most sought after and challenging events to win on the tour.

“We are very grateful for the continued support of BTA and all sponsors of the event, particularly with this year’s addition of the Aspen Bermuda Women’s Match Race Regatta as a new event on the Women’s World Match Racing Tour.”

This year celebrates the 72nd edition of the Bermuda Gold Cup, a founding event of the World Match Racing Tour, the world’s longest running professional sailing series since 2000 and this year’s regatta takes place from October 29 to November 3.

WMRT Executive Director added;