Bermuda is to join forces with Fort Lauderdale, Florida on collaborative marketing to attract super yachts to both destinations.

The memorandum of understanding is for a two-year partnership to “entice vessels leaving one destination to head to the other”, according to Bill Hanbury, the former chief executive of the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

Mr Hanbury was facilitator for the remote launch of the plan with David Burt, the Premier; Steve Geller, the mayor of Broward County encompassing Greater Fort Lauderdale; Stacy Ritter, the chief executive of the tourism firm Visit Lauderdale, and Glenn Jones, the interim CEO at the BTA.

Mr Geller pointed out that the high season for yachting at the two destinations did not overlap.

He added: “It just makes sense for Broward Country and Bermuda to work together.”

Fort Lauderdale, a coastal city just north of Miami, attracts tourists in the winter, while Bermuda’s main season is summertime.

Mr Geller said the yachting industry was a job booster as well as attracting high spenders.

Positions such as marine diesel mechanics and marine electricians “represent the types of types of jobs that built this country and are not exportable to other countries”.

Mr Geller said servicing yachts produced middle-class jobs earning $50,000 to $100,000 a year and more.

Ms Ritter said the partnership marked a first for Fort Lauderdale.

“We’re friendly competitors – but we don’t share the same season.”

Mr Burt said: “Bermuda has long been a top destination for sailing.

“It has ideal weather conditions, gorgeous waters, major sailing events and a community with a deep and diverse sailing heritage.”

He called the agreement “a fantastic example of two destinations finding great success collaborating with one another, versus what they would achieve separately as competitors.”