The 2026 Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix generated an estimated $7.2 million in total economic impact for Bermuda – a 47 percent increase compared to the 2024 season equivalent, highlighting the growing contribution of the Rolex SailGP Championship to Bermuda’s visitor economy.
The increase was largely driven by a significant rise in international spectators attending the event. More than double the number of international visitors travelled to Bermuda for the 2026 Apex Group Sail Grand Prix compared with 2024, resulting in a substantial increase in visitor-related spending. As a result, spectator economic impact increased from $3.7 million to $4.8 million.
The findings, commissioned by Deloitte, underscore the economic value of attracting major international sporting events to Bermuda, while demonstrating the ability of SailGP to draw visitors from overseas and encourage spending across the island.
Andrew Thompson, SailGP Managing Director, said: “SailGP brings the world’s best athletes and a truly global audience together in some of the world’s most iconic destinations, and Bermuda is a perfect example of the impact that can have. The 2026 event delivered a significant increase in economic value for the island, driven in large part by international visitors choosing to travel to Bermuda for SailGP. That growth is a powerful demonstration of the championship’s ability to attract visitors, generate meaningful local spending and showcase Bermuda on a global stage, in addition to working with local suppliers, businesses and schools.”
Michael DeCouto, Bermuda Tourism Authority Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, said: “These results are encouraging because they show what the right events can do for Bermuda. It’s not simply about bringing more people to the island. It’s about attracting visitors who stay, spend across our economy and discover more of Bermuda while they’re here. The growth in international spectators tells us SailGP is giving people a compelling reason to travel, while showcasing Bermuda as a destination capable of hosting world-class events. That is the kind of value we want tourism to create for the island.”
The hugely successful 2026 Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, held May 9–10 at Morgan’s Point, welcomed a sold-out crowd of nearly 6,000 spectators across race weekend, bringing Bermuda into the international spotlight as 12 national teams battled it out on the Great Sound in SailGP’s high-performance F50 catamarans. With racing taking place close to shore, fans enjoyed a rare, up-close view of the speed and intensity of the world’s most exciting sailing championship, while the event showcased Bermuda’s world-class capabilities, natural beauty and reputation as one of the world’s premier sailing destinations.
In addition to the on-water racing, SailGP Inspire engaged nearly 1,000 youth from 17 schools across Bermuda to create opportunities to connect with the event through sport, technology, sustainability and hands-on learning. SailGP Inspire, proudly supported by global partner Mubadala, opens new pathways for young people to experience the possibilities of sailing through hands-on action on the water or by tackling innovation-driven challenges in the classroom. To date, more than 34,000 youth have been engaged through SailGP Inspire in race destinations across the globe.
SailGP will return to Bermuda next year with the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix confirmed for May 1-2, 2027 as part of the Rolex SailGP Championship’s most ambitious global season calendar to date. Fans interested in attending the 2027 event can sign up for SailGP+ at SailGP.com/Bermuda to receive early access and exclusive pricing on Bermuda tickets.
