The America’s Cup official yacht charter firm is steering a course to set up a business on the island — with a promise of jobs and training for Bermudians.

Helm Events, which will bring a fleet of 15 luxury catamarans to Bermuda for the America’s Cup, with eight guests at a time on each, said they wanted to base up to three 50-foot catamarans here for around seven months a year from 2018.

Helm Events, part of Navigate Travel, the world’s largest sailing charter company, already operates in Croatia, Greece, Turkey and Italy, with offices in London and New Zealand, where Navigate provides land-based holidays.

Daniel Painter, managing director of Navigate Travel, which operates five brands, said the firm had already broached the idea of a Bermuda arm of the business with America’s Cup Bermuda.

He added: “We are looking to bring our Yacht Getaways brand to Bermuda as our premium cabin charter product which specialises in high-end customers.

“There is no hotel you can go to and sit on a luxury catamaran, professionally skippered and with great food.”

Mr Painter said: “There are a lot of legislative hurdles to be overcome and we’ve started that conversation.”

He added: “W have taken what was very much an expensive product, sailing, but made it affordable and pushed it on to the general market.”

And he said that he had been impressed by the island and its attractions.

Mr Painter, on his first visit to the island, added: “It’s been a pleasant surprise to be on the boats and experience it. We operate in some beautiful places and there is certainly nothing Bermuda has which would leave you wanting.

“It’s surprised us — the proximity to New York is amazing, there is so much opportunity here. We are looking to make this investment in this country.

“Elsewhere, we have had a significant impact with the spend of our customers. These are well-balanced holidays — exploring the local culture, exploring the sights and sailing between various points.

“It’s a perfect balance of a relaxing holiday and being able to explore, in this case in Bermuda.”

Mr Painter added the company hosts around 10,000 guests a year in its various locations, with 32 per cent travelling with the firm again.

He said: “When we launch a new route, we would typically get a huge influx of guests who have already travelled with us.”

Mr Painter added: “It’s pretty reassuring to find such a high level of enthusiasm here. Everybody is very willing to to talk and take on board with the idea we want to bring to the island.”

The Bermuda-based boats would have a permanent captain, a host or hostess, as well as land-based support staff.

And Kim Rose, head of operations for Helm Events, said the company was already “asking around” with a view to recruiting as many Bermudian staff for the proposed new venture as possible.

He added: “That’s the ideal situation — we try to ensure our products have a great local connection and the best way to do that is with local staff. They know the best places, all the quirks, and we try to foster that.”

Mr Painter said: “There would probably be a blend of staff and anybody who believes in delivering the highest standards to our customers would be welcome.”

Mr Rose added that the company already operates a development programme spanning its international locations for young people entering the charter industry.

He said: “We always look for diverse staff because it’s a better experience for our guests.”

Last year, Navigate put two trainees through expensive training to gain yachtmaster certification, with hopes of qualifying a further ten this year.

During the America’s Cup, guests will live aboard the 45-foot Helm vessels, with access to exclusive areas along the race route.

Mr Painter said: “We like to think it’s one of the best ways to see Bermuda over the America’s Cup.”