The Bermuda round of a world-renowned sailing event contributed about $7.2 million to the economy in May, organisers have claimed.

SailGP said the amount was 47 per cent more than the economic impact of the Bermuda event in 2024, which it attributed to a “significant rise” in visitors coming to the island for the races this year.

A statement explained: “More than double the number of international visitors travelled to Bermuda for the 2026 Apex Group Sail Grand Prix compared with 2024, resulting in a substantial increase in visitor-related spending.

“As a result, spectator economic impact increased from $3.7 million to $4.8 million.”

Almost 6,000 spectators flocked to Morgan’s Point on May 9 and 10 to watch crews on F50 catamarans race in the Great Sound.

Andrew Thompson, the SailGP managing director, said the economic growth is a “powerful demonstration of the championship’s ability to attract visitors, generate meaningful local spending and showcase Bermuda on a global stage, in addition to working with local suppliers, businesses and schools”.

Michael DeCouto, the Bermuda Tourism Authority chief sales and marketing officer, said that the results show what hosting “the right events” can do for Bermuda.

He explained: “It’s not simply about bringing more people to the island. It’s about attracting visitors who stay, spend across our economy and discover more of Bermuda while they’re here.

“The growth in international spectators tells us SailGP is giving people a compelling reason to travel, while showcasing Bermuda as a destination capable of hosting world-class events.

“That is the kind of value we want tourism to create for the island.”

The impact of SailGP went beyond the professional races — SailGP Inspire provided opportunities for 1,000 young people from 17 local schools to connect with the event through sport, technology, sustainability and hands-on learning.