Anyone who follows world-class tennis should know something about that crucial moment when a match hangs on a single point. The player with an advantage has to be extremely careful, especially when the ball is in their court. A wrong move could mean the difference between victory or defeat.

Bermuda could very well be in that position with the ball of opportunity generated by the prestigious America’s Cup. It is a chance to breathe new life into our vital tourist industry, which has been struggling for some time to recapture a reflection of the good old days, when tourism was a significant pillar of the economy.

The America’s Cup, without a doubt, is an event that has stimulated new energy throughout most of the Island and has rekindled a spirit of entrepreneurship not seen in Bermuda for years.

The spin-off benefits from this international sailing spectacle will involve Bermudians from all sections of our communities. This should hopefully boost the economy, but more importantly, it may in the process ignite a greater spirit of working closer together, long after the America’s Cup becomes a memory.

With colourful sailing vessels that look more like spaceships manned by crews with astronaut skills, our crystal waters will be seen around the world as an army of sportswriters and camera crews will put Bermuda in the global spotlight in a way that regular promotional material could never match.

Of course, in the middle of this upbeat moment, the real test will be for our leaders to make good use of what is clearly a feeling that the ball is in our court — and making the most of it will depend on what we do as a team.

Bermuda is steeped in sailing history, perhaps because with so much ocean around our small Island, taking to the water is almost second nature for many. One need not be a sailing enthusiast to feel somewhat caught up in the excitement of having some of the finest sailors in the world, displaying their skills with modern, sophisticated boats that appear capable of taking to the sky. It is a big Bermuda moment, for sure.

The America’s Cup Endeavour legacy programme, aimed at getting young people involved in the art of sailing, could be planting seeds that will hopefully flourish in building character and a desire to learn more about dealing with challenges of life. Sailing demands discipline and keeping a cool head under pressure, and our young people can only gain from programmes that teach these skills.

The America’s Cup is not just a competition between some of the world’s best sailors.

For Bermuda, it presents an opportunity for the Island itself to think as a team, despite political and social differences that constantly become roadblocks in resolving issues in a more co-operative spirit.

This is not to say there should not be sharp disagreements over various issues. Democracy thrives on freedom of speech. However, when a sense of respectability is kept out front, the potential for seeking common ground is greater.

There were a few early expressions that the America’s Cup would be a highbrow event with no real connection with the average Bermudian. Organisers of the event dismantled such views by making it clear that they wanted Bermudian participation as much as possible, in several areas of activity connected to the event.

I certainly can appreciate the skills required in sailing after an experience in Harrington Sound many years ago. Attempting to master a Sunfish, which of course is quite small, things went south when I discovered I could sail in only one direction. After failing terribly in calm waters and clear skies, a rescue boat ended the embarrassment. Sailing can be fun, but skills are necessary to enjoy the sport.

In hosting a world classic such as the America’s Cup, Bermuda can showcase itself in many ways.

Slipping back to that tennis analogy, the ball really is in our court and winning this match will benefit all of Bermuda.