Bermuda offers visitors pink sands with transparent turquoise water, lush flora and an incredible yachting destination.
Although this small Atlantic island (21-square-miles) isn’t known for its size, it certainly receives recognition for its personality, charm and adventurous water-based activities with 181 islands and 64 miles of coastline. By water, Bermuda is 645 miles South of Newport Rhode Island and 777 miles East of Charleston, South Carolina. By air, it is about two hours from gateway cities like Boston, New York, Charlotte, Atlanta and Miami, and slightly longer to London or Toronto.
It’s no surprise that this very distinct location, more specifically, Caroline Bay, was chosen for the upcoming 35th America’s Cup, where the most elite sailing teams in the world battle for yachting’s most coveted title between May 26 and June 27, 2017.
Located in Bermuda’s Southampton Parish, Caroline Bay is a peninsula jutting into the Great Sound area. The point was originally two islands and the U.S. Navy subsequently joined the two islands and then connected them to the mainland at Kings Point to create the present peninsula. During World War II, the U.S. Navy built a sprawling naval annex there. This peninsula was renamed Morgan’s Point after the U.S. Navy left.
By the time the real training and qualifying races for the America’s Cup get underway in Bermuda’s Great Sound, yachts of all types will already be calling Caroline Bay Marina home, which is set to open in April 2017. Caroline Bay is the only 5-star resort community in Bermuda with its own marina. Homeowners within the development will earn first right of refusal on 80 boat slips that can accommodate vessels ranging from 40 to 80 feet along with 33 slips for yachts larger than 80 feet. The marina features roughly 2,340 linear feet of dock space and the wave attenuating dock is 17 feet wide for comfortable access.
The new marina is safely tucked away in the Little Sound on the Caroline Bay Development, just across that narrow peninsula from the America’s Cup course in the Great Sound and a 10-minute boat ride away. The marina will offer electrical service, water, sewage removal, concierge service and customs clearance.
“The Marina is on track and leading the way to get Bermuda into the Superyacht and luxury marina business.” said Ralph Richardson, CEO of Caroline Bay Marina. “This full-service, world-class marina [also the largest marina project undertaken in Bermuda], will provide an enhancement to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Resort.”
America’s Cup challenger Artemis Racing has its team headquarters and training center at Caroline Bay, next to the Marina. Yachtsmen aboard their vessels in the new marina will have a ringside seat for training and race-day activities as the Swedish team prepares for the cup competition with the other teams.
Along with the new marina, Caroline Bay Hotel and Residential Development is the flagship for a new era in Bermuda hospitality. As the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve Resort in Bermuda, it promises global travelers unprecedented, ultra-luxury in the form of a refined, yet relaxed experience. The first phase of the hotel and residential development will be completed in early 2019. The marina development featuring the Superyacht marina will be the keystone for the future of international yachting for Bermuda,” said Craig Christensen, CEO of Morgan’s Point Limited. “When the resort project is completed, we will have an exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve Resort, 149 branded residences, several restaurants, a world-class spa, luxury boutiques and the
Caroline Bay Marina to top it off.”
BEST WAYS TO VIEW AMERICA’S CUP
Arabella
One of the main attractions during the June 2017 America’s Cup Races will be Arabella. She’s a 157-foot sailing yacht that will provide access for marina clients to watch the races right on the racecourse. ‘Arabella’ will also be available to provide local cruises, cuisine and drinks hosted by local Caroline Bay executives and other special invited guests.
Crewed Yachts from the Moorings
One of the world’s premier yacht charter companies, The Moorings, will offer two crewed yachts (4800 & 5800), with premium access to the designated water spectator zone for racing at America’s Cup. The Moorings makes it easy for guests to enjoy every moment during the event with personalized meals and a fully-stocked bar.
