Bermuda hosts a vibrant sports scene–which is hardly unexpected as conditions are conducive to outdoor activity, both on and off the water, 12 months of the year. While many international events are held on island, island residents also travel to compete on a regular basis.
The island is proud to claim world-class athletes in sailing, athletics, football/soccer, bowling and equestrian eventing.
Other sports that enjoy popularity in Bermuda include golf, cricket, field hockey, netball, basketball, cycling, cross country and road running, rugby, fencing, karting, moto cross, tennis, swimming, squash, softball, windsurfing, gymnastics, karate, volleyball and triathlon. Our Calendar of Events lists many sporting events, and includes contact information for sports organizations.
In addition, anyone wanting to “feel the burn” will find plenty of heavy breathing going on at the island’s health clubs and gyms. Most local facilities welcome visiting fitness buffs. Expect to pay $12 to $20 for a day pass and $35 to $65 for a week. Some facilities also offer a 10 workout punch-card for $100. A full listing can be found in your Yellow Pages® under Health Clubs.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to the island a few must-see sporting events include:
Cup Match Cricket
Though cricket is played competitively between April and September, you will be treated to a true spectacle at the annual Cup Match. It pits St. George’s Cricket Club against Somerset Cricket Club and attracts thousands of sports fans and party-goers. It’s a great chance to sample local food and gamble a bit in the Crown and Anchor tent. Tickets are always available at the host cricket club on the day of the match. Be sure to bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen!
Fitted Dinghy Races
Hoist 1,400 sq. feet of sail up the mast of a 14-foot vessel holding six hearty sailors and you get the bedlam that is Bermuda Dinghy Races. Bailing water is pretty much continuous and chucking a crew member or two overboard is a time-honoured technique as these Bermuda-made racers head for the line. The remainder of the 7 race calendar can be obtained by contacting the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club at 441 236 2250.
King Edward VII Gold Cup
The Gold Cup is the world’s oldest match racing trophy for one-design yachts. This prestigious competition showcases the talents of the world’s best sailors from Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. Race headquarters is the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and spectators are welcome.
World Rugby Classic
It’s billed as the “Seniors’ Rugby World Cup” but don’t let the “Seniors’” bit fool you. Teams come from big-name rugby nations such as Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, Canada, the United States, Portugal, and Spain, and feature players who have often just retired from the world sporting stage. The action is fierce and exciting both on and off the field. Five days of rugby and seven days of Bermuda magic make the Classic “the” sporting event. For details check out the website at www.worldrugby.bm.
International Race Weekend
This annual running festival is popular with locals and visitors alike and features many world-class runners. It kicks off with the Front Street Mile on Friday evening. This is actually a series of one-mile races with categories for primary and secondary school age girls and boys, local women, local men and an Elite Men’s Mile. Saturday the feature race is a 10K which is open to both runners and walkers. On Sunday a Half Marathon and Marathon are run simultaneously on the same course. It’s a great weekend for participants and spectators alike.
CD&P Classic Grand Prix
The Bermuda Bicycling Association will host the CD&P Classic Grand Prix–a great chance to watch some of the best cyclists in the world fly through the streets of Bermuda. Pro cyclists compete in a 4 Stage Race that is sandwiched between two 45-minute Criterium races through Hamilton that always draw big crowds. Amateurs can also show their pedal power by taking part in a concurrent 3 Day Stage Race. For information consult the event website at www.bermudagrandprix.com.
XL Open
Tennis fans descend on the Coral Beach & Tennis Club every April for the XL Open. This 9-day event (including Qualifiers) is a great chance to see up and coming international players along with some of world’s greats. Plan ahead if you want to see the final as it is often sold out months in advance. However tickets for other days are usually available at the venue on the day, or can be arranged by contacting Coral Beach at 441 236 2233. Corporations looking to add the XL to their annual entertainment schedule can also contact this number for information.
