Top 8 things to do in Bermuda during America’s Cup season

This summer all eyes will turn to Bermuda as six teams battle it out for the oldest trophy in international sport – the America’s Cup. The island will be transformed during the months of May and June with several opportunities to get close to the action and even get involved yourself.

Hosted by Boat International Media, the America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta gets underway on June 12, with racing from June 13-15, giving superyacht owners a chance to participate in their very own regatta to the northeast, east and south of Bermuda. The list of yachts already registered for the America's Cup Superyacht Regatta is extensive, including several J Class yachts, but it's not too late to claim your place on the start line – contact events@boatinternationalmedia.com to secure your spot.

The iconic J Class fleet of classic yachts will also be arriving into Bermuda in June, with a mix of original J Class yachts and modern replicas due to compete in this exclusive regatta on June 16, 19 and 20.

The handicap system levels the playing field between the originals and the replicas, ensuring tight, competitive racing, with many races decided by a matter of seconds. The yachts will be moored at the Hamilton Princess Marina, giving sailing fans a unique insight to the golden age of sail.

For the duration of America’s Cup season, Bermuda’s Great Sound will be transformed into an amphitheatre, giving visitors fantastic views of the action. However it is Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard that will be the beating heart of the America’s Cup experience, as it will host the America’s Cup Village. This is where visitors will find all the team bases, live entertainment and concerts, as well as the best local food and beverages.

For those who want a truly premium America’s Cup viewing experience, a visit to the Longtail Lounge VIP Hospitality is a must. Guests will be able to enjoy superb views across the Great Sound of Bermuda, with a private balcony close to the finish line for the best possible views of the action.

As well as a complimentary bar and buffet, the Longtail Lounge will also host special appearances from sailing legends. Tickets are on sale now with prices starting from $700 per person, per day.

The America’s Cup isn’t just about celebrating some of the finest sailors in the world today, it is also gives the up and coming sailing talent of tomorrow a chance to show what they can do.

On selected days between June 12-21, the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup will see up to 12 teams take to the water racing on the same one-design AC45 foiling catamarans that raced in the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series. A real highlight of America’s Cup season, this is your chance to spot the next Sir Ben Ainslie or Jimmy Spithill before they hit the big time.

The main event starts on May 26 with the first of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers, which kick off the official racing schedule. Unlike the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series, these showdowns will see teams race head-to-head in a bid to qualify for the latter stages of the America’s Cup.

Race One sees the Defender Oracle Team USA take on Groupama Team France, but all six teams will be in action right from the first day as the pressure ramps up.

After eight days of intense sailing, the top four challenger teams will be split into two semi-finals as the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Playoffs begin. This will see the teams race up to nine times in a bid to make the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Challenger Playoff Finals (June 10-12). Up to nine more races will then be used to decide which challenger will take on Oracle Team USA for the main prize.

The 34th America’s Cup Match, presented by Louis Vuitton (pictured above) was widely regarded to be one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the sport, and this year’s final showdown is shaping up to be just as dramatic.

The winner of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Playoffs will take on Oracle Team USA for the ultimate prize and the action starts on the weekend of June 17-18 with the first four races.

If one team builds up an unassailable lead then the Auld Mug will be awarded on Sunday 25 June, but with the potential for racing to carry on until June 27 you won’t want to be leaving early.