The second Antigua Bermuda race will take place next May, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club has announced.

The 935-mile offshore race is organised in association with Antigua Sailing Week and is supported by the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

“We have had great feedback from the competitors who took part in the first race,” said race chairman Les Crane.

“The America’s Cup put Bermuda in the spotlight as a superb sailing destination and the Antigua Bermuda Race is designed to carry forward this legacy.”

The race is open to yachts of 40ft and over and will start a few days after Antigua Sailing Week on May 9, 2018,

“This is exactly the result we planned for when the Bermuda Tourism Authority supported the inaugural Antigua Bermuda Race this year,” said Pat Phillip-Fairn, chief product and experiences development officer at the BTA.

“The America’s Cup inspired the Antigua Bermuda Race in the first instance and Bermuda’s high-quality nautical experience is what has them coming back in 2018.

“This is an exceptional America’s Cup legacy event and we are excited to welcome it back to the island in May 2018.”

Mr Crane added: “The Antigua Bermuda Race gives sailors an opportunity to safely experience about a thousand miles of Atlantic Ocean racing in company, at a time of year when conditions should be ideal.”

Competitors can express their interest in the Antigua Bermuda Race at: https://antiguabermuda.com/contact-us/survey