Despite its beautiful cruising grounds, vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Bermuda has historically seen limited superyacht traffic. However, recent changes to charter regulations have made the archipelago more accessible to the superyacht industry. In response, BOAT International and the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) co-hosted a familiarisation trip and roundtable discussion with superyacht charter brokers and managers.
The programme aimed to showcase Bermuda in all its glory, highlighting its picture-perfect seascapes, rich history and local cuisine, demonstrating that it is not merely a strategic tax-free refuelling stop but a beautiful superyacht destination in its own right.
The trip commenced in the historic town of St. George’s, where Mark Soares, owner of Bermuda Yacht Services and former yacht captain, shared insights with the group about the island’s extensive superyacht facilities. Following his presentation, he guided us on a tour of the town, allowing us to explore its delightful local shops.
After enjoying a delicious lunch at the beloved local restaurant Wahoo’s, where we savoured Bermuda’s renowned fish chowder and fish sandwiches made with the catch of the day, the group continued to delve into the island’s rich history and culture. This journey began with a private tour of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art, which narrates captivating stories through its diverse art collection. Founded by a photographer, the museum refreshes its exhibitions monthly - be sure to look out for the upcoming fashion exhibition in spring 2025.
Next, we visited the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, where we uncovered the mysteries of Bermuda's waters. Through a variety of educational programmes and interactive experiences, we explored the fascinating realities behind the mythical Bermuda Triangle and learned about the ocean's secrets.
In the evening, we made our way to The Loren, a five-star hotel that artfully combines local Bermudian ingredients with globally inspired recipes. Before dinner, the group enjoyed a private tour of The Residence at The Loren, a stunning six-bedroom villa available for booking complete with a pool, tennis court and private chef with panoramic views over your very own private beach.
For many of the charter brokers and managers, it was their first visit to Bermuda, and the following day's roundtable discussion proved invaluable for debunking their misconceptions about the island.
"As far as my very limited knowledge was, I just saw Bermuda as a bunkering stop for boats heading to and from the Caribbean. I certainly never thought of it as such a beautiful charter destination," said Vanessa Buck, charter manager at Cecil Wright. "The information about changed charter regulations just hasn't been out. When we present Bermuda to our fleet, we need to present everything as a complete package, including the rates, legalities and itineraries, to make it a viable option."
Itineraries were a popular topic of conversation, with IYC's head of charter management, Liliana Lopez, expressing the need for more information about things to do. "A week's itinerary is ideal," Soares explained. "For those who want to enjoy the boat with watersports in a clean, safe environment, Bermuda is ideal." The BTA also shared some of the island's popular annual events, including the Bermuda Gold Cup regatta and the Triple Crown Billfish Tournament.
The BTA's vice president of experiences, Tashae Thompson, said: "Safety is definitely one of our assets." While director of marketing Nina Steinhoff added: "You can feel relaxed and safe at the beach, confidently leaving your stuff there when you go in the water."
When Soares explained that May and June are ideal months to see Bermuda at its finest, Y.CO's director of charter management, Tom Debuse, commented: "A selling point to owners would be to say 'extend your [Caribbean] season'. The water is still too cold in May in the Med and June is still a bit hit-and-miss weather-wise, so if they stayed in Bermuda in April and May and did a late crossing to the Med in June, that could be the cherry on the cake for an owner in terms of charter revenue."
Other topics such as tax considerations and captain support were addressed, enabling participants to share candid feedback on their experiences and the island's potential.
Following a delightful lunch at Cambridge Beaches, the group took some time to unwind on the picturesque beach - a favoured spot for sipping a Bermudian Dark 'n Stormy or Rum Swizzle while watching the sunset. We then boarded a catamaran to explore the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Great Sound, where we enjoyed swimming and water toys. That evening, we dined in the beautiful private dining room of Harry’s at the Waterfront, which exclusively serves Harry’s special rum blend.
On our final day, we ventured to Bermuda’s stunning crystal caves for a guided tour. There, we walked along floating pontoons over a crystal-clear underground lake, marvelling at the pristine white stalactites adorning the cave’s ceiling. Afterwards, we made our way to the Rosewood Bermuda Spa Resort to relax and rejuvenate before our bittersweet departure home.
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