Bermudians are being urged to volunteer for the upcoming America’s Cup, assisting on and off the water.

Jennifer Pitcher, Community Outreach Manager with the America’s Cup Event Authority, told members of the Hamilton Rotary Club that they are looking for 1,000 volunteers for the international sporting event next summer.

The “First Mates” volunteer programme formally launched this week, inviting members of the public to help make the event a success.

She said organisers had already been asked if sailing experience was a requirement, noting that there are a host of different volunteer positions depending on the volunteer’s skill set.

“We are encouraging people with technical skills for some roles, but for others all you need to be is reliable, have a friendly smile, good will and a desire to assist people,” she said. “A degree of availability is also helpful as we are looking for volunteers to help on at least 12 shifts across the event period.”

Volunteers are being sought to help in the media centre, administration and the Endeavour Programme among other areas in addition to helping with the racing event itself.

Ms Pitcher said that since launching their appeal for volunteers they have already received hundreds of e-mails from interested parties, including some from outside of the island. She noted that the 260 people who previously volunteered during the Louis Vitton America’s Cup World Series event last year and Bermudians would be given priority, but she said more willing volunteers were still being sought. Information sessions for prospective volunteers are scheduled to be held between November 7 and November 15 at XL Catlin.

The first step for interested volunteer candidates is to complete the online application prior to November 30. The information submitted on the volunteer application form helps in matching volunteers with a role best suited for their skills, experience and interests. Potential volunteers should be at least 18 years of age by May 1, 2017, and available to volunteer for the duration of the event from May 26 to June 27.

They also need to be available to participate in the mandatory volunteer orientation in mid-April and role-specific training as well as complete the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s Certified Tourism Ambassador training.