The 2026 Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix generated an estimated $7.2 million in economic impact for the island, a 47 percent leap on the 2024 event, according to figures commissioned by Deloitte.
The numbers point to one clear driver: international spectator numbers more than doubled compared with 2024. That surge in overseas visitors pushed spectator-related economic impact from $3.7 million to $4.8 million.
Andrew Thompson, SailGP Managing Director, framed the result as proof of concept for the whole championship model. "SailGP brings the world's best athletes and a truly global audience together in some of the world's most iconic destinations, and Bermuda is a perfect example of the impact that can have," he said. "The 2026 event delivered a significant increase in economic value for the island, driven in large part by international visitors choosing to travel to Bermuda for SailGP. That growth is a powerful demonstration of the championship's ability to attract visitors, generate meaningful local spending and showcase Bermuda on a global stage, in addition to working with local suppliers, businesses and schools."
Michael DeCouto, Bermuda Tourism Authority Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, said the figures reflect something more than raw visitor counts. "These results are encouraging because they show what the right events can do for Bermuda. It's not simply about bringing more people to the island. It's about attracting visitors who stay, spend across our economy and discover more of Bermuda while they're here. The growth in international spectators tells us SailGP is giving people a compelling reason to travel, while showcasing Bermuda as a destination capable of hosting world-class events. That is the kind of value we want tourism to create for the island."
Held May 9-10 at Morgan's Point, the event sold out with nearly 6,000 spectators across the weekend. Twelve national teams raced on the Great Sound in SailGP's F50 catamarans, with the close-to-shore course giving fans an unusually intimate view of boats travelling at serious speed.
Beyond the racing, SailGP Inspire reached almost 1,000 young people across 17 Bermuda schools, connecting them with the event through sport, technology, sustainability and hands-on learning. The programme, backed by global partner Mubadala, has now engaged more than 34,000 young people across SailGP's race destinations worldwide.
Bermuda will host the event again on May 1-2, 2027, as part of what SailGP is calling its most ambitious global season calendar yet. For an island of just 64,000 people, delivering that kind of return from a single weekend's racing is a result worth watching as the championship's economic model spreads to other host ports.
