WatersportsBermuda’s most famous beaches lie along the island’s southern edge. Some of the most beautiful are at
Chaplin,
Horseshoe Bay,
Stonehole and
Warwick Long Bay. Snorkeling and scuba-diving are popular. Visibility underwater is often as much as 61m (200ft). Experienced scuba-divers can go below for a historic ‘tour’ of old wrecks, cannons and other remnants of past disasters on the reefs. All necessary equipment is easy to hire – visitors should note, however, that spear guns are not allowed. For sailing enthusiasts, the
Blue Water Cruising Race – from Marion, Massachusetts, to Bermuda – takes place in June bi-annually, in odd-numbered years. The
Newport to Bermuda Ocean Yacht Race is also held bi-annually, in even-numbered years; this world-famous
June Blue Water Classic (fondly referred to as the ‘Thrash to the Onion Patch’) attracts scores of the finest racing craft afloat. The week-long festivities, which follow the arrival of the boats, are held at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. In August, the
Non-Mariners Race is held. Sailboats and skippers are available for hire from ‘Sail Yourself’ charter agencies. Bermuda is one of the world’s finest fishing centers, especially for light-tackle fishing. Equipment may be rented for shore fishing and there are charter boats for reef and deep-sea fishing. For deep-sea aficionados, wahoo, amberjack, marlin and tuna abound. On the reefs, there are amberjack, great barracuda, grey snapper and yellowtail. Shore fishermen can test their skills on bonefish and pompano. The best fishing is from May to November, when trophies are awarded.
GolfThere are eight golf courses on the island, seven 18-hole courses, including the
Mid-Ocean Club, which is world-renowned for its challenge and beauty, and
Port Royal, situated in oceanside terrain. There is one 9-hole layout, Ocean View. For information on Amateur, Professional and Pro-Am tournaments, write to the Bermuda Golf Association, PO Box 433, Hamilton (tel: 238 1367; fax: 238 0938; e-mail:
info@bermudagolf.org; website:
www.bermudagolf.org).
TennisThere are almost 100 courts on the island, with a variety of surfaces. Most of the larger Bermuda hotels have their own courts, many of them floodlit for night play. Tournaments are held all year round and several are open to visitors.
CricketThe annual
Cup Match, an island-wide, two-day public holiday (played since 1902 in July/August), is held once a year, when the St George’s and Somerset Cricket clubs vie for the Championship Cup.
SoccerA hugely popular sport amongst Bermudians, who even have some of their nationals playing in UK football leagues. The season in Bermuda runs from the end of September through April and the matches themselves are usually played each weekend and on some weeknights on a variety of soccer fields. For further information, contact the Bermuda Football Association, PO Box HM 745, Hamilton, HM CX (tel: 295 2199; fax: 295 0773; e-mail:
bfa@northrock.bm).
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