Insurance group Argus has launched a virtual reality tour of the America’s Cup.

Three 360 degree videos — accessible through an app and special goggles — feature Argus’s official healthcare partner SoftBank Team Japan.

Alison Hill, CEO of Argus, said: “We really value our partnership with SoftBank Team Japan and have learnt so much about what it takes to be a world-class athlete and participate in an event such as the America’s Cup.

“We wanted to share this experience with the public and provide an opportunity for the community to benefit from a fully immersive experience.

“Having the America’s Cup take place in Bermuda is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we want everyone to see what it’s like on one of the boats.”

Would-be viewers of the videos, which feature behind the scenes footage of the team’s AC35 preparations with soundtrack, can be seen by downloading a free Argus app from the Apple App or Google Play stores and using the special goggles, available free of charge at partner One Communications and throughout the America’s Cup events at the hull of the SoftBank Team Japan boat outside the America’s Cup pop-up store on Front Street, while supplies last.

Schereene Outerbridge, marketing communications director at One, said: “One is pleased to be partnering with Argus and SoftBank Team Japan to help bring the thrill of the race to all of Bermuda.

As an official supplier to SoftBank Team Japan, the technological component of this experience is a natural fit.

“Our friends at Argus have put tremendous effort into creating three epic VR videos which we look forward to sharing with all of Bermuda.”

The movies were shot by UK-based Parable VR in partnership with The Gild.

Viewers can meet the team and tour its Dockyard base, see on the water action and get a taste of the team’s legacy to the island.

Dean Barker, skipper and CEO of SoftBank Team Japan said: “We’d like to thank Argus for their continued support and for developing the virtual reality videos so the community of Bermuda can really experience the race in 360 degrees and get behind us and the cup.”

Jonathan Rudd, partner and creative director of Parable VR added: “We really hope the world and the Bermudian people in particular take this opportunity to get on board and enjoy these thrilling stories.”