Drones will not be permitted to fly within the vicinity of this month’s sailing races.

The decision to have a no-fly zone during the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series has been made for safety reasons, as a helicopter is being brought to the Island to film the event from the air.

The aircraft is equipped with technology that can superimpose computer graphics on the camera footage to highlight the course layout and markers for broadcast viewers.

Camera-equipped, remotely operated drones have captured stunning images of Bermuda from above, including some sailing events, however, having drones and a helicopter in proximity has been deemed too dangerous by the event organisers and the Department of Civil Aviation.

A temporary no-fly zone will be in operation around the World Series, which takes place in the Great Sound and Hamilton Harbour between October 16 and 18.

The zone will cover a circuit of three nautical miles centred on the Great Sound, and extending from sea level to a height of 1,500ft.

“There is a no-fly zone for drones around the racecourse and that is for the safety of the helicopter, the spectators and the teams,” explained Peter Rusch, director of communications for the America’s Cup Event Authority.

Peter Adhemar, head of operations at the Department of Civil Aviation, said it was a sensible precaution.

“Our big worry is that a drone could collide with the helicopter,” he said.