In response to the growing demand for more accessible sailing and to celebrate being home to the 35th America's Cup in 2017, the Bermuda Tourism Authority has launched a new learn to sail programme. In association with the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dingy Club, visitors can now follow some of the world's greatest sailors, including Sir Ben Ainslie, and sail on the Atlantic waters of Bermuda's stunning Great Sound.

Proven to be one of the best sailing venues on the planet, Bermuda's steady oceans, protected crystal clear waters and near perfect sailing conditions makes for an ideal location to turn from novice into talented sailor. The Learn to Sail Bermuda courses are designed for those taking their first sailing experience or those seeking to improve their skills, ranging from half a day up to five day courses for ages five and above.

Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC) - Prices start from £110*per person, based on two persons taking a 3 hour lesson or £450*per person for a week course.

Established in 1844, Royal Bermuda Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs in the Western hemisphere and an integral part of the islands' heritage.  Located in Hamilton Harbour it serves as a gateway to Bermuda's Great Sound. The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club is a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training centre, welcoming sailors of all skill-sets and sailing hours can count towards RYA certification.  Now friends and families can together experience the thrill and achievement of reaching a UK recognised sailing qualification in a sub-tropical paradise.

The Learn To Sail Bermuda programme can be customized for those of all ages, with group sizes and beginner to elite skill levels.  Junior lessons are available all year round and adult sailing is available from September to May. Subject to availability.

Day courses: Junior & Adult Sailing

• 3 hours from £110*per person from 1 to 2 people
• Families of groups of juniors between 6-18yrs
• Beginners or sailors looking to improve their skills
• Hosted in the Optimist, Laser or RS Feva (Dinghy Boat)

Sailing Week lessons

• Over 5 days or 16 hours from £450*per person from 3 to 15 people (1-4 in a keelboat, 1-6 dinghy sailing)
• Focusing on teaching and improving sailing skills with a goal of completing the Royal Yachting Association level 1,2 or 3 certification (level 1 can be achieved in 16 hours)
• All sailing weeks end with a friendly competition sail
• Customized for high performance racing, families or corporate team building
• Hosted in the J80 (Keel Boat), RS Feva or Laser dinghies. 

Additional Information: All participant of the Learn To Sail Programme are provided with a life vest and RYA logbook to record their progress.

Royal Hamilton Amateur Dingy Club - Prices start from £100* per child / £135* per adult for a 2 hour lesson or £190* for five half-day child lessons / £240* for a block of four adult lessons.

Dedicated to the advancement of sailing as a sport the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dingy Club has a rich history of sailing and boasts the largest junior sail fleet in Bermuda. Offering year round instruction and following the US Sailing curriculum, for both junior and adults on different types of boats to accommodate those of all ages and sailing skills, from aged 5 and above.

Junior Sailing Courses

• Half and full day one week blocks from £190*
• All ages between 5-16 yrs.
• Lessons and packages are available from July 4th – July 22nd and August 1st – September 2nd
• Family packages are available upon request
• Private lessons are available on demand from £100* for 2 hrs

Adult Sailing Courses

• 2, 3, 4 day courses for either half or full day from £240* per block of 4 sessions
• Adults are over 16yrs of age
• Lessons and packages available from March 1st – June 30th and September 5th – October 28th
• Evening sailing only available July 4th to July 29th and August 1st and August 27th
• Private lessons are available on demand from £135* for 2 hrs

For more information visit: www.gotobermuda.co.uk/Bermuda_Sailing/Sailing_in_Bermuda/

Getting to Bermuda:

Family summer holiday from £1174 per person:

Hayes & Jarvis (01293 762 456, www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk) is offering a seven night holiday to Bermuda staying at the four star The Fairmont Southampton on a room-only basis from £4,699 per family of four – saving up to £393 per family. The offer includes airport transfers and return international flights from London Gatwick with British Airways. Based on departures from 11 July 2016. Book The Fairmont Southampton via http://www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk/holidays/caribbean/bermuda/hotels/the-fairmont-southampton

*prices in £s based on current exchange rates. Course fees charged on $ rates.

For more information on Bermuda visit www.GoToBermuda.co.uk

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For more information contact Samantha or Barry at Bermuda.UKpressoffice@goshpr.co.uk or call 0207 871 2915.

About Bermuda 
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, south east of New York, the mid-haul sub-tropical paradise of Bermuda is only a seven hour flight from London. Offering a unique combination of British charm and island soul, Bermuda enjoys year-round temperate climate with legendary pink sand beaches, a wealth of historic sites and vast array of water sports, outdoors activities and championship golf courses.

Bermuda is the home of the 35th America's Cup in 2017. The world's most prestigious sailing event brings with it a new generation of sailing and energy to the destination, This is also reflected in the new generation of more adventurous and experience seeking travellers who are attracted to the 'Proper Fun' Bermuda offers. For more information visit www.gotobermuda.co.uk or follow www.facebook.com/BermudaTourism and www.twitter.com/Bermuda