VOYAGING BACK TO THE ROCK
When the SailGP tour arrived back in Bermuda in 2026 it brought back an important chapter in the island’s sailing story and reaffirmed it’s place on the world stage.
early landings
Sailing isn’t just what Bermudians do—it’s who we are. From the moment Spanish explorer Juan de Bermúdez first sighted our islands in the early 1500s, the ocean has shaped the island’s identity. The treacherous reefs that earned Bermuda the nickname “Isle of Devils” would eventually become the cradle of sailing innovation that changed the sport forever.
The island’s permanent settlement began by accident in 1609, when the Sea Venture—flagship of the Virginia Company fleet bound for Jamestown—wrecked on Bermuda’s reefs during a hurricane. All 150 aboard survived, spending nine months on the island before building two new ships to continue to Virginia in May 1610. Some stayed behind, establishing the first permanent British presence. These settlers quickly learned that the only way to move around the islands was by boat, and their small work vessels gave birth to something extraordinary: the Bermuda Rig.
BERMUDA'S SAILING INNOVATION
Developed during the 17th and 18th centuries from traditional leg-of-mutton sails, the Bermuda Rig features a triangular sail aft of the mast that maximized windward efficiency in our prevailing southwest winds. The rig began gaining prominence in 1660 when King Charles II received a Bermudan sloop as a gift (calling it the “Bezaan”), and visitors documented in 1670 that “with tripple corner’d Sayls they always float about the Islands, in the World there are None in all points that may with them compare.” This innovation eventually dominated America’s Cup boats by the 1930s and now rules the global sailing world.
SAILING LEGACY
Bermuda’s already proven we can host sailing’s pinnacle event. In May–June 2017, Bermuda made history as first-time host of the 35th America’s Cup, where Emirates Team New Zealand’s Peter Burling became the youngest winning helmsman at 26, clinching the Cup on June 26, 2017.
That legacy continues today. After a one-year hiatus, SailGP returned to Bermuda May 9–10, 2026, bringing the world’s fastest sailing fleet to the Great Sound—Bermuda’s fourth time hosting the event. The 2024 event generated $4.9 million in economic impact and drew 4,277 spectators.
Up next is the iconic 53rd Newport-Bermuda Race is set to depart June 19, 2026, from Fort Adams in Newport—a 636-nautical-mile race celebrating 120 years since its founding in 1906, concluding with prize giving at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club on June 29.
pjc yacht charters
This heritage translates into Private Jet Club’s membership proposition, crafted with the same innovation that gave the world the Bermuda Rig. Members benefit from curated yachting itineraries and privileged access to a global fleet spanning accessible dayboats for casual harbour explorations to luxury vessels for extended offshore adventures. These could be for leisure or corporate use, locally or anywhere worldwide. A member could be looking to view SailGP’s F50s foil at 50 knots in Bermuda, take a family voyage around the Caribbean, or host a company off-site in St. Tropez.
Wally wallywhy100, 70.4 ft
Wally is known for turning yacht design into statement architecture. The wallywhy100 brings that thinking into a compact 70-foot form, with the attitude and volume of something larger. At 70 ft 5 in overall, with a broad 18 ft 10 in beam, it is built around relaxed indoor-outdoor living, three comfortable cabins, and easy owner-friendly cruising. Twin Volvo Penta IPS power gives it a reported top speed of up to 27 knots. It feels ideal for stylish day cruising, long weekend excursions, or as a showpiece hub in the harbour.
Oyster Yachts 885 Series II
Oyster has built its reputation on serious bluewater sailing yachts that feel as comfortable crossing oceans as they do at anchor. The Oyster 885 Series II is a 90-foot sailing yacht with dedicated crew quarters, generous guest accommodation, and the ability to take owners almost anywhere in the world. The Series II update brought sleeker saloon windows, aft-positioned helm stations, a larger cockpit and an extended tender well. It is equally at home on longer passages under sail and during elegant stays when the anchor is down.
Source: bermuda.com, bermudarace.com, The Bermudian Magazine, oysteryachts.com, wally.com, Private Jet Club Research & Analysis