VanOsdelle Swan, 46, senior sales associate at AS Cooper

“In terms of the customer base that’s been coming in I’ve seen a broad spectrum of people from all walks of life engaging in mad buying for the past couple of days and weeks in the lead-up to this weekend. People that haven’t even put maybe a foot in the water have been coming in looking for all things nautical in terms of fashion but there’s definitely been an uptick in sales in the America’s Cup merchandise, in particular. The energy, the electricity that you feel on Front Street has been phenomenal and we’re really looking forward to meeting new friends and greeting old friends this weekend.”

Joeann Scott, 54, manager at Astwood Dickinson

“I’m excited to see those boats, especially when they’re coming down on the water and they hydrofoil. That is really fascinating to watch. You really, really have to see it. This morning when I was coming down, I looked over at the dock and could see the different boats as they’re putting them together. It’s out of this world! And for them to be preparing for everything down there. You see the stage they’ve built from nothing and then, all of sudden, we’re saying, ‘Is this Bermuda?!’ I think once I started seeing it, it just got me more excited about it.”

Gary Saltus, 60s, part-owner of Flowers By GiMi

“I’m taking pictures of the boats getting ready to start practising. They just lowered the British; the French is in the water; the Swiss are getting ready to go in the water, then Japan. I’m starting to get excited because it’s here and it’s right in front of my face and my store. I have no choice but to get a bit excited. You can feel the excitement around — we just have to celebrate and make it the best show ever for Bermuda. When I first heard about it coming I was a bit sceptical, but now it’s sort of grown on you. You see America’s Cup signs everywhere and you can’t help but get a bit excited.”

Shirley Layne, 56, manager at Trends

“It’s Bermuda’s chance to be on the world stage. It has definitely brought a totally different game. There’s been nothing like this before and I think the enthusiasm is finally building. It’s like, OK, now I have a better understanding of how big this event is. Do you know what I mean? Now people are scrambling to be a part of it.

“They’re becoming a lot more enthusiastic. I think the buzz is building, because I think Bermudians at first were quite laid back. It’s becoming more tangible now.”

Penny White, 59, America’s Cup volunteer

“I think it’s been a ten-month process and now we’re here. I think Bermudians were wondering what was going to happen and now that it’s here I think people can see what America’s Cup is going to do for Bermuda. The fact that our central hotels are full, that’s exciting. Just the buzz.

“Even just standing here and looking out the window and seeing the various trucks coming and going, the amount of involvement of Bermuda companies and Bermuda people in this event. I really think that Bermuda has outshone itself and has come together really well as a country. There are so many different aspects to this and now it’s all coming together and you can actually see it.”

Douglas Olson, 27, owner of Red

“I’m very excited. I mean, we’ve got a great view for it, a great vantage point. Artemis are renting our roof. It’s quite exciting. We’re catering them up there. This has been very good for Red. We’re very excited. I knew it was going to be a big thing for Bermuda from the very beginning. Obviously, this is only the beginning as well, so there’s a lot to come and we’re excited already. It will be a fun week at work though. I’m looking forward to it.”

Debbie Kerr, 43, service worker at Red

“I can’t wait! All ready, all prepared. It’s going to be really busy Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I’m working all weekend. All day and all night. It’s kind of gradually grown on us, I guess. And then just how busy the street is and how everybody’s excited. We have private events here on Friday and Saturday and then on Sunday the public can buy a ticket and come sit on the balcony. I don’t know a lot about sailing but this is teaching me a bit more.”