Water tours operator Sail Bermuda has doubled its fleet with a new 47-foot catamaran.

The refitted Wyuna joins the existing traditional monohull yacht Shekynah in the firm’s fleet.

Caleb Zuill and wife Marilyn, who run the company founded by his father Bobby in the 1990s, said the new acquisition was “a dream come true” and would allow the company to cater to younger and older guests because of the stability of catamarans.

Mr Zuill added: “I’ve dreamt of owning a boat like this ever since I was a teenager, working on catamarans in Bermuda during my summer holidays.

“I had talked about it for years and finally my wife Marilyn suggested we do it.

“She told me if there was ever a time to go for it, America’s Cup was it, with so many visitors coming to the island and looking for a unique way to see all that Bermuda has to offer.”

Mr Zuill, who combines running the company with his full-time job as a firefighter, said the couple located the boat last November and arrived on the island in April. After a refit, including new decor, paddle boards, snorkel equipment and new audio visual equipment were added, it was launched last month.

The new boat has already been used for a number of events like birthday parties and private sunset cruises and it is planned to offer personalised cruises during the America’s Cup, which starts this week. Ms Zuill, who quit her job in graphic design to join Sail Bermuda full time, added: “It’s been a huge blessing to work together as a family.

“It’s been exciting, but also a challenge as well — a good one. I has allowed me to use the skills I developed in advertising over the last ten years to build a new brand and learn new skills in social media.”

She said that she had worked with Caleb to rebrand the firm with a new logo and colour scheme and created a beach-style island feel on board the Wyuna.

Ms Zuill added: “Our vision is to turn Sail Bermuda into something that’s our own.

“It’s been great working with Caleb and bouncing our ideas off each other.”

And she said: “Our hope is that guests will feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment they step on deck and get the chance to create one of a kind memories with the people they love.”

Mr Zuill added that Sail Bermuda was the only charter company on the island to offer both a traditional yacht and a catamaran.

He explained that the twin hulled catamaran was easier for groups with young children or seniors as it offered wide, flat decks and a more stable platform, while its sister Shekynah was better suited to more experienced sailors and adventure enthusiasts.

Ms Zuill said: “It’s exciting to have both options to offer guests.

“We consider ourselves ambassadors for the island and now we have this unique possibility of showing even more tourists what Bermuda is like from the waterside.

“We’re looking to offer a truly unique experience that caters to our guests, whether they want to snorkel or paddle board or visit a more secluded beach — we can plan it.

“We can even provide catering on board or drop people off on the mainland to enjoy lunch or dinner. It’s totally tailored to what people want.”

Over the summer, Bobby Zuill will captain Shekynah, while Caleb will skipper Wyuna, with several young Bermudians working with them as crew.

Ms Zuill said: “I believe Bermudians have a lot to offer and if we work together, I really think America’s Cup will be the opportune time to showcase that to the rest of the world.”

America’s Cup cruises are available on selected dates between Friday, May 26 and Tuesday, June 6. There are also some openings during the superyacht regatta from Tuesday, June 13 to Thursday, June 15.

For more information, visit www.sailbermuda.com and for enquiries about America’s Cup rates and bookings, e-mail info@sailbermuda.com