America’s Cup: A Catalyst for Social Change?

With the completion of the America’s Cup World Series event in Bermuda on October 16-18, an editorial by Bermuda’s only daily newspaper, The Royal Gazette, ponders the influence of the America’s Cup on the island…

It has been a little more than a week since the America’s Cup celebrations raised the roof. Not in their wildest dreams could those who organised the myriad of events accompanying the actual competition have envisaged such a response.

Front Street rocked. It crumbled under the weight of thousands of partygoers … and for some, perhaps, the weight of expectation. Clearly, a lot of positives emerged.

Sailing should have taken centre stage. But, given Bermuda’s maritime history, that didn’t come as a surprise. What may have impressed some — and shocked others — was the efficiency and handling of an event of such magnitude.

But this wasn’t solely about sailing; it was about Bermuda. People of all colour and creed invaded Front Street. A conservative estimate would have been more than 5,000 at any one time. That party didn’t abate until the Sunday night.

One vendor described it as “Harbour Nights on steroids”. She and other vendors filled their pockets, as did the various watering holes and restaurants. They will be licking their lips as they prepare for 2017. Most importantly, it showed the rest of the world that Bermuda is equipped to host a major sporting event, complete with all the trimmings.

It showed we can stage an event with precision as well as panache. It showed the San Diegos, the San Franciscos and the Aucklands that, despite our size, we can match them. It showed why we shouldn’t be labelled a sleepy British colony, reserved only for the upmarket tourist.

It might have silenced the naysayers who questioned why Bermuda was preferred to California as America’s Cup hosts. Yes, this was only a dress rehearsal for what lies ahead, but all the ingredients were there.

A sense of unification pervaded; a brief escape from reality; a feeling of ownership and pride. Hopefully, that was what impressed the sailors and tourists most. For the locals, curiosity might have been a factor as to why so many flooded into town and a why such a large flotilla encircled the racecourse.

But now the euphoria has subsided, it’s time to take stock. How will the Island kick on? Will it kick on?

Certainly the AC will not be a panacea for all our problems, as much as it impressed those overseas. Is there a faint hope that civility could replace hostility and animosity, of which Bermuda has become accustomed?

Friday’s shooting (Oct. 23) hasn’t helped our cause. Thankfully, it didn’t occur a week earlier, but, apparently, the gun culture is alive and well.

Will the bickering that consumes our leaders, who continue to turn a blind eye to the issues that really matter, fade? Personal feuds have become old hat, yet some publicly persist.

Could the racial divide rear its ugly head again or will the harmony that seems to blossom every time we partake in a big sports event strengthen?

Complete editorial, along with many disparaging comments, can be read here.