Greenrock is proud to announce that SailGP – the sport’s pinnacle league that starts its season next month in Bermuda – is supporting its 2021 Earth Hour Campaign this year as an Earth Steward Sponsor.

SailGP is powered by nature and driven by purpose, and uses its global platform to champion a better world powered by nature, with a focus on accelerating a transition to clean energy. In addition to the partnership, SailGP is committed to full staff participation and encouraging its local partners to take part in the campaign.

“We are very pleased to have SailGP involved with our campaign this year,” says Greenrock Chairman Eugene Dean.
“Having a cutting-edge, international sporting brand advocating with us for nature and sustainability, raises the profile of our efforts and expands the reach of our campaign beyond our shores. Already the relationship has paid dividends, with several local agencies, government departments and participating vendors reaching out to us about Earth Hour as a result of SailGP encouraging them to get actively involved.”

Established as the first climate positive sport and entertainment property, SailGP recently achieved both the Carbon
Neutral International Standard and joined the UN Climate Neutral Now Initiative, plus the international sustainability
standard ISO20121 – ensuring it delivers its events to the highest operating standard. While setting new standards and inspiring action globally, SailGP has developed partnerships with a host of other like-minded businesses and
organisations, right here in Bermuda.

“Being a league that travels the globe means we need to take a closer look at every aspect of our day-to-day operations, ensuring we’re making decisions that align with our purpose”, says Alexandra Rickham, SailGP Sustainability Manager. “For instance, at each event we are using solar to help charge the F50 foiling catamarans’ batteries and power the technical areas.”

“As a climate positive business – we measure, reduce and offset our carbon footprint at every opportunity. Trialling new technology to help reduce our on-water operations is just one of many examples of this”, adds Alexandra.

Collaborating with local organisations such as Greenrock, SailGP is, in turn, supported in its efforts to host sustainable events utilising clean energy. The reciprocal relationship of utilising local suppliers to keep their footprint smaller and local economic impact bigger is a winning combination.

“Holding regular conversations with the SailGP Sustainability Officers has been an enlightening experience for us”, says Eugene. “We have gained a tremendous understanding of the work they do to ensure that inclusion, social consciousness and environmental sustainability are both central to the organisation’s mission, and seamlessly integrated into all levels of its operations.”

“Over time they are eliminating red meat from their menus and are increasing the presence of plant-based options in their meals. Their strict guidelines regarding waste reduction, waste management and waste removal have been developed to ensure that items are separated into various waste streams, reused and recycled, whenever possible, then disposed of correctly at the appropriate waste facility. All of these initiatives are driven by a commitment to operate more sustainably and as a country there are several opportunities for takeaways from observing and understanding their operations, that we can incorporate in activities we host year round.”

SailGP’s partnerships, that go beyond Bermuda’s shores, have taken an interest in Earth Hour and will be showing their support of the Island’s event. The City of Taranto, Italy – SailGP’s next host city following Bermuda – will be switching off the lights to their City Hall and the lights of one of the main city squares, Piazza Ebalia, as a show of solidarity.

Recognition surrounding the goodwill of SailGP’s local partners, who play an integral role in SailGP’s Race for the Future agenda, are getting involved in a variety of ways.

Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) – Official Host Partner – It will be ‘one hour, no power’ on Saturday evening at the
Hamilton office location. Sharing information across their social feeds, the BTA will encourage others to do their part. The initiative aligns with the organisation’s 2025 aim to guide Bermuda on the path to becoming one of the ‘greenest’ tourist destinations, attracting visitors who value this through more eco-friendly practices and better use of its natural resources as outlined in the Bermuda National Tourism Plan.

Hamilton Princess & Beach Club – Title Partner – Turning off outdoor lights and reducing indoor lighting in public areas inclusive of their restaurants, patrons may experience the bonus of a candlelight dining experience, health and safety permitting.

WEDCO – Official Venue Partner – Lights will be turned off in the Royal Naval Dockyard in support of Earth Hour as a
reminder to take action by living and developing more sustainably. Committed to the environment, the team at WEDCO are dedicated to the preservation of history and the sustainable development of their vested lands. Their solar panel installation project, wastewater treatment facility, electric vehicle recharge zone, reverse osmosis plant, and their LED lighting project are part of the growing list of amazing initiatives undertaken by this group.

BF&M – Official Partner – As well as pledging to support Greenrock, BF&M will be turning off their building lights,
encouraging their staff to do the same at home, as a unified effort.

Butterfield – Official Partner – Also an official sponsor of Earth Hour, and with a workforce of over 600 employees, will promote supporting the initiatives within their organisation

Appleby – Official Partner. Official Law Firm of the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix Presented by Hamilton Princess – Will be
turning off their outdoor lights and encouraging their employees to turn off all lights in their homes to support Earth Hour and help raise awareness of the importance of our planet.

This year Greenrock will countdown to Earth Hour with a live stream and television broadcast on Saturday, March 27th from 6:30pm to “Lights Out” featuring a youth segment, a community segment and a segment on the green economy. The two (2) hour program will be streamed live on the Greenrock website, our YouTube Channel and our Facebook Page. For more information please email info@greenrock.org or call 441.747.7625.

PRESS RELEASE by SailGP

Global league gains new venue partners ahead of restart in 2021

LONDON – November 23, 2020 – SailGP today announced an updated schedule for the first half of its second season, with the opening events now set for the island of Bermuda and the southern Italian city of Taranto. On April 24-25, 2021, the Bermuda Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess will set the stage for an expanded season that is planned to feature nine events. Following the opener, the first-ever Italy Grand Prix will be held June 5-6 in Taranto.

Though San Francisco and New York were initially set to host the first events following SailGP’s Season 2 postponement due to COVID-19, the league shifted the schedule to ensure greater certainty and reduce travel in the early part of the year. The United States Grand Prix | San Francisco will now serve as the SailGP Season 2 Grand Final, and is planned to take place in April 2022.

Just over 1,000 km/640 miles off the East Coast of the U.S., Bermuda is not only the ultimate island destination, but has been largely shielded from the pandemic. Due to its successful health and safety measures, Bermuda is an ideal venue to restart SailGP’s global racing championship and host pre-season training.

Following the league’s restart in Bermuda, SailGP will shift to Europe – where four of its eight national teams are based – for a series of five grand prix events beginning in Taranto. Italy has long been one of the top sailing destinations in the world, and the southern coastal city will welcome the world’s best sailors for the first time.

As previously announced, the Great Britain Grand Prix | Plymouth will then take place on July 17-18, followed by the ROCKWOOL Denmark Grand Prix | Aarhus on August 20-21. Two additional European host cities will be announced with the remaining season schedule in early December.

SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “After our successful opening season in 2019, cities have taken notice of SailGP, recognizing the economic potential and international exposure that comes with hosting our global events, as well as the community impact of our ​Race for the Future​ purpose-driven agenda. We’re incredibly pleased that our venue partner portfolio has expanded to include events in Bermuda and Italy. Both venues should provide excellent conditions for our high speed, close-to-shore racing. This new schedule allows us to plan our first events of 2021 with more confidence while still retaining a U.S. event at the end of the season.”

Bermuda

The Bermuda Tourism Authority will serve as Official Host Partner of the league’s first-ever Bermudian event and, through SailGP, will highlight Bermuda as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel and tourism investment.

The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club will serve as Title Partner for the kick-off event. A Fairmont-managed hotel, the Hamilton Princess is Bermuda’s most known and iconic hotel situated on the edge of Hamilton Harbour. The West End Development Corporation (WEDCO) is the Official Venue Partner of the Bermuda Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess, while the event has the support of three additional partners: insurance firm BF&M, global reinsurer RenaissanceRe and leading independent offshore bank and trust company Butterfield Group.

SailGP will also work closely with Bermuda on the common goal of diverse and meaningful social impact with clear engagement points across the community, including through SailGP Inspire.

As an island territory, Bermuda’s sailing legacy is integral to its 400-year-old history; the seafaring nation invented the iconic Bermuda Rig, which is still used in sailing yachts today. Bermuda played host to the 35th America’s Cup in 2017, providing a spectacular playing field for the competition that first featured the foiling catamarans that evolved into the F50 used for SailGP.

Glenn Jones, interim CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority said: “Bermuda is open, safe and welcoming travelers in search of a truly extraordinary experience. A getaway to Bermuda delivers warm weather, cultural exploration and exciting sporting events year-round. Bermuda is incredibly proud to have been selected to host the prestigious 2021 season-opening event for SailGP, which is rapidly emerging as the pinnacle league in professional sailing. The island’s tremendous sailing legacy, cultural diversity and global proximity will be on full display. The spring event will play a vital role in our tourism recovery; it’s also an ideal season for superyachts to come and charter here, enjoying spectacular scenery with a front-row seat to this dynamic on-the-water event. Last month, the island hosted the 70th Bermuda Gold Cup and 2020 Open Match Racing World Championship, along with golf’s Bermuda Championship that became the first PGA TOUR event to welcome live spectators since March.”

Taranto

Taranto in Southern Italy will host the first-ever Italy Grand Prix and will be the second stop of SailGP Season 2. The ‘City of Two Seas’ is situated between two bodies of water – the Big Sea and Little Sea – and the unique natural harbor will provide the perfect setting for the adrenaline-filled racing, in front of a backdrop that marries the old and new of Southern Italy.

SailGP will join the list of international sporting events hosted by Taranto. Most recently, in October 2020, Taranto was a stop on the prestigious Giro d’Italia – one of cycling’s three Grand Tours – and in 2026, will welcome 26 countries to compete in the XX Mediterranean Games.

Taranto Mayor Rinaldo Melucci said: “With 28 centuries of history at the heart of the Mediterranean, Taranto is proud to host teams and guests from all over the world for SailGP in 2021. This will be the competition’s first stop in Europe, at the start of our legendary Italian summer. Founded as a Spartan colony, the city is emblematic of the Italian art of living well and home to one of southern Europe’s largest ports. Its waters will also become the venue for various contests in the XX Mediterranean Games. Today, Taranto is at the forefront of the Italian green new deal, and undergoing a major transition in terms of innovation and resilience. Many people might not be familiar with this corner of Italy, but Taranto’s wonderful light, flavors and beauty are something that you will cherish forever. You are all very welcome.”

Pre-Season Training

Prior to the season start, SailGP’s eight national teams – Australia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the United States – will use the stunning blue waters of Bermuda’s Great Sound to hone their skills during a pre-season training camp. And, for the first time, female athletes will be included in the training as part of SailGP’s gender equity initiative.

In its inaugural season, SailGP attracted a global broadcast audience exceeding 256 million and an average economic impact of US$23 million per venue, boosting local hotels, restaurants and businesses.

ABOUT SAILGP // ​SailGP is racing redefined, powered by nature and driven by purpose. Established in 2018 and headquartered in London and New York, SailGP is an annual, global sports championship featuring bold, cutting-edge technology and awe-inspiring athleticism. The fan-centric, inshore racing takes place in some of the most iconic harbors around the globe and offers the sport’s largest monetary prize of $1 million. Rival national teams battle it out in identical supercharged F50 catamarans, engineered for intense racing at electrifying speeds exceeding 50 knots (nearly 60 mph/100 kph). Visit SailGP.com​ for more information.​

To read the Royal Gazette article, please click HERE.

PRESS RELEASE by Bermuda Tourism Authority

Hamilton, Bermuda, November 23, 2020—Corporate partners of SailGP’s Bermuda Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess have expressed their support for next year’s championship, and excitement about both the economic and community benefits it will bring. The global league today announced it will stage a four-week training camp and two-day, live-televised kick-off event on the Great Sound in April 2021. 

“We are delighted to be the Title Partner for SailGP’s second season kick-off event next year and proud to continue our tradition of supporting international sporting competitions. We believe the Bermuda Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess will offer locals an incredible opportunity to witness world-class sport up close and inspire a generation of young Bermudian sailors. We hope to host many more such events in the years to come, and we look forward to seeing the public at the Bermuda Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess in April.”

—Tim Morrison, General Manager of Hamilton Princess & Beach Club

“We are thrilled to announce the Royal Naval Dockyard’s partnership with SailGP as the Host Venue for the global racing championships’ second-season-opening event, the Bermuda Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess, along with pre-season training in 2021. Not only does the Royal Naval Dockyard’s deep-rooted maritime history and culture make this event an obvious fit, but the values of the SailGP organisation—gender equity, inclusion, meaningful social impact and engagement, complemented by the founding belief in honest competition based on hard work and personal development—make it a natural partnership the entire Dockyard community welcomes. After a year plagued with uncertainty, this opportunity presents a beacon of hope which was afforded to us due to the diligence, cooperation and collaboration demonstrated by the entire Bermudian community. The Royal Naval Dockyard is proud to play such an integral role in this prestigious event and will rise to the occasion, showcasing Bermuda well on the world stage once again.”

—Andrew Dias, General Manager, West End Development Corporation (WEDCO)

“For BF&M, being an Official Sponsor of SailGP’s Bermuda Grand Prix is a natural fit. We were a main sponsor of the 35th America’s Cup and are an ongoing main sponsor of its legacy Endeavour programme, which continues to introduce the sport of sailing, for free, to thousands of middle-school students of all backgrounds. Importantly, Endeavour connects students to an activity which is deeply ingrained in Bermuda’s maritime history and heritage. In 2017, BF&M founded the No Limits sailing programme in partnership with Endeavour and BASE, for children living with autism spectrum disorders, and we continue to be the sole sponsor of what in 2021 will be the fifth year of this popular and very successful initiative. For all these reasons, we are excited to support the return of a world-calibre sailing event like SailGP. Once again, there will be a community engagement piece associated with the event, which we value. And once again, the event will shine a light on Bermuda as a safe, world-class venue.”

—John Wight, Chairman & CEO, BF&M

“Butterfield is proud to be an Official Sponsor of the SailGP Bermuda Grand Prix and we look forward to joining the community in welcoming the racing teams, support staff and visitors to our island home. Hosting this world-class sail racing championship will accelerate Bermuda’s tourism recovery and create employment and other income-generating opportunities for some of those who need them most. We’re pleased to be able to do our part to help bring the Grand Prix to Bermuda and support our community.”

—Michael Collins, Butterfield Group Chairman & CEO

“RenaissanceRe’s sponsorship of SailGP allows us to offer a unique, world-class experience for our clients right here in our home of Bermuda. After a year of virtual meetings and cancelled global events, we are looking forward to entertaining our international partners safely, which Bermuda’s excellent COVID-19 measures make possible. We believe the SailGP event will bolster the Island’s economy with opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs in service of the teams and spectators, and inspire our young people to take part in the sport of sailing. As a Bermudian, I’m always excited when we are able to showcase to new audiences the beauty, culture and hospitality of our island, which has long made us a special place to visit.”

—Keil Gunther, Head of Global Marketing & Client Communications, RenaissanceRe

About Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA)

The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) is an award-winning, accredited destination marketing organisation that promotes Bermuda internationally and works to empower our tourism industry stakeholders. Explore Bermuda’s National Tourism Plan at BermudaNTP.com.

To read the Bernews article, please click HERE.

To read the Royal Gazette article, please click HERE.