Wind put in sails of Bermuda Triangle events - Royal Gazette

Owain Johnston-Barnes

Published Feb 12, 2019 at 8:00 am (Updated Feb 12, 2019 at 8:01 am)

Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company; Kevin Dallas, CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority; and Evan Smith, president and CEO of Discover Newport announced a joint destination marketing collaboration during a reception at the New York Yacht Club (Photograph provided)

The Bermuda Tourism Authority has joined forces with agencies in New York and Rhode Island to promote a “Bermuda Triangle” of sailing events.

A BTA spokesman said the organisation had teamed up with NYC & Company and Discover Newport for a marketing drive at the New York Yacht Club.

The collaboration was designed to highlight the Argo Gold Cup, the Antigua Bermuda Race and the Marion to Bermuda Race, along with the Sail JP Regatta in New York and the 12 Metre World Championship and 35th Anniversary Regatta in Newport.

Kevin Dallas, the BTA chief executive, said the project would show Bermuda as a top destination for sailing and luxury.

He said: “Ideal weather conditions, gorgeous waters, deep connections with the international sailing community, major sailing events and island life are appealing.

“The island’s legacy of sailing goes back centuries, when Bermuda was founded by the survivors of the shipwrecked Sea Venture in 1609.

“We also revolutionised sailing by inventing the Bermuda rig, which is still used in 95 per cent of all sailing yachts today.”

Mr Dallas added: “Aligning with New York City and Newport for this collaboration makes perfect sense.

“Just a 90-minute non-stop flight from Bermuda, New York City is the island’s top feeder market, and Newport is our destination partner in the oldest regular scheduled ocean race, the 635-mile biennial Newport Bermuda Race.”

A BTA spokesman said the marketing campaign would target wealthy travellers and use the highlighted sailing events as “anchors” for each destination.

Marketing will also include digital placements, social media, traditional public relations and trip giveaways.

Fred Dixon, NYC & Company’s president and chief executive, is happy to work with Bermuda and Newport to put a spotlight on all three destinations.

Mr Dixon said: “New York City’s ‘Blue Highway’ is the perfect venue for the Sail GP Regatta in Lower Manhattan this June, an event we know will uniquely capture the imagination of the global media as well as visitors and locals alike.”

Evan Smith, the chief executive of Discover Newport, added: “It only makes sense to unite with NYC & Company and the Bermuda Tourism Authority as our three destinations share such compelling and intertwined sailing histories, and most importantly, a vibrant sailing future.

“But sailing is only part of our shared story. Our respective architecture, arts and culture, cuisine, coastline, events, recreation, vitality — and our people — are what have long defined New York, Bermuda and Newport as internationally recognised, first-class destinations.

“We look forward to sharing ideas and opportunities to boost reciprocal travel with our new partners.”

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