Bermuda will hosts the 2016 RC44 Championship Tour opener early in the new year, organisers have announced.

The Island will host the event March 2 to 6 with competition in the high-performance monohull racing yachts taking place in the Great Sound.

“Our Island is globally recognised as providing some of the most challenging, as well as beautiful, waters for sailing competition and we hope the RC44 teams will enjoy the experience,” Andy Cox, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club's regatta chairman, said. “Bermuda is honoured to be the latest host location in the RC44 series.”

RC44 Championship Tour comprises of 12 international teams including two from Artemis Racing, challengers for the 35th America's Cup, that compete in one-design yachts at some of the most beautiful sailing venues around the world.

The international racing circuit was founded by Sir Russell Coutts, the fives-times America's Cup winner and Oracle Team USA chief executive, who is delighted to have Bermuda host an event that has established itself as a key series since its launch in 2007.

After the season opener in Bermuda, the Tour will move on to some of Europe's most celebrated sailing venues, including Spain, Britain , Portugal and Malta.