The island nation of Bermuda has a lot going for it — culture, beaches, and lot of them, scooters, golf courses, restaurants, and of course the 35th America’s Cup in June. But one thing Bermuda will lack come Cup time will be hotel rooms anywhere near the racecourse or America’s Cup Village.
On a recent visit, more than a few Cup sailors passed along their intel: The best way to take it all in will be from your own boat.
That was until the Moorings announced its partnership with the America’s Cup last week.
Through an exclusive partnership, the charter giant will make available crewed yachts for the duration of the Cup summer. For sailors, this is and will be the ultimate way to do the Cup. From May 17 to July 6, 2017, the Moorings will have two crewed charter options available in Bermuda: its Moorings 4800 catamaran, which accommodates six passengers in three berths, or its Moorings 5800 catamaran, which can host up to 10 passengers in five cabins.
The Moorings will stage its boats out of the yet-to-open luxury Caroline Bay Marina, which is just around the corner from the Race Village. Each of the boats is a registered boat, which allows it to anchor in the designated spectator zones.
And it gets better. There’s a captain, crew, and chef, so you don’t have to lift a finger unless you want to. All meals on board (three square, plus snacks) are included. And dare we say, “inclusion” means a full bar as well. Forsee the bottomless Dark N’ Stormy.
Let’s sum it up again: sideline America’s Cup viewing, on your own cat, with a handful of your friends, with your own crew, all inclusive.
Such a package, should cost and arm and a leg, especially in Bermuda. But here’s the insanity: A charter starts at $2,855 per day for the smaller cat, and $4,195 for the bigger one. Divide that up between six and 10, respectively, and it comes in less than $500 per person per day. Good luck finding an all-inclusive week on the island with private race viewing for that price.
Should the racing be delayed or cancelled, or you grow tired of watching foil cats zoom by at 30 knots, you have your escape pod to explore Bermuda’s stunning bays and reefs. The captain will get you there and back. Plus, there’s water toys, included: windsurfers, paddleboards, etc.
Josie Tucci, of the Moorings, says it was Russell Coutts, a regular customer, who approached the charter vacation company last year. “He knew accommodations on the island was becoming a hot topic so he came to us and asked if we’d be interested,” says Tucci. “It’s been a long road to get the agreement in place, but within a week [of the announcement] we had five bookings.” Availability, Tucci adds, will be based on early bookings because the boats must be pulled from charter fleets elsewhere and delivered to the island. “If we sell out now, we will send more boats, but we have to be mindful of filling the gaps between race days.”
There’s plenty happening during the AC interludes, however, including a J Class regatta, a Super Yacht Regatta, and the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, so any one these are bucket list events to spectate, this deal is the real deal. If interested, we suggest sooner than later… there’s more at www.moorings.com/americas-cup.
