This week the America’s Cup launched its Volunteer Programme — First Mates, presented by XL Catlin.

Up to 1,000 volunteers will play an integral part in welcoming the world to Bermuda in 2017 and delivering the 35th America’s Cup which starts on May 26 and runs through the end of June 2017.

The goal is to build a team of passionate, committed and talented volunteers who will become ambassadors of the America’s Cup in Bermuda.

A range of exciting and versatile volunteer roles are available throughout the event, including interacting with spectators and guests, helping out behind the scenes in areas such as accreditation, on the water course marshalling, transportation and logistics, press operations and communications and information technology.

“We are encouraging people with technical skills for some roles, but for others all you need to be is reliable, have a friendly smile, good will and a desire to assist people,” Jennifer Pitcher, community outreach manager with the America’s Cup Event Authority, said. “A degree of availability is also helpful as we are looking for volunteers to help on at least 12 shifts across the event period.”

Volunteer information sessions will be held from 6pm to 7pm at XL Catlin’s offices in Hamilton on November 7 and 9, and November 15 and 16.

Interested First Mates are invited to register by completing the online volunteer application form before November 30.

Potential First Mates should be at least 18 years of age by May 1, 2017 and available to volunteer for the duration of the event from May 26 to June 27, 2017.

They also need to be available to participate in the mandatory volunteer orientation in mid-April 2017 and role-specific training as well as complete the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s Certified Tourism Ambassador training.