Bermuda was last night hailed as a world-class destination for sports events after the climax of the weekend’s international sailing tournament.

Sir Russell Coutts, the CEO of race series SailGP, said it was unlikely that any other country could have provided such a perfect venue in the middle of a pandemic.

Sir Russell added that the island’s natural environment made it an ideal spot for sailing.

But he added that Bermuda’s infrastructure – and its people – played a bigger role in ensuring the regatta was a success.

Sir Russell said: “Firstly, I just want to thank the people of Bermuda.

“These are challenging times and, without them, I don’t think we would have been able to put on such a spectacular show.

“I think this weekend saw some of the best racing I have ever witnessed and it really showcased Bermuda as the great venue that it is.”

“I don’t think we could have pulled this off anywhere else.”

Sir Russell added: “Obviously there are the natural attributes – it’s a beautiful location.

“But more than that, it’s a place where you can get things done – you have people who are prepared to work with you and make things happen.

“The America’s Cup was a great event here in 2017 and I think this week’s event has just reinforced that – the fact that Bermuda is a fantastic venue to hold these types of world-class events.

“We would love to come back – it all depends on whether the people of Bermuda want us back.”

Great Britain, led by Sir Ben Ainslie, staged a surprise turnaround to be crowned winners of the event.

The British beat an Australian crew, which had led for much of the competition, with France in third place.