Hamilton, Bermuda 28th APRIL 2022 – After a two-year hiatus, the BEDC Marine Expo returned with a bang! The Town of St. George’s turned into a maritime festival, complete with regalia flags hung around the Town to complement the festive atmosphere. The Premier, The Hon David Burt, JP, MP and his family, joined thousands of Bermudians and visitors to enjoy the celebration of maritime culture on the Island.
Thousands came to the 5th Annual Marine Expo on Sunday, April 24th. The family-friendly event honors history, celebrates sport, embraces technology, and recognizes the opportunities in Bermuda’s Maritime Environment. Dennis Carter, BEDC Jr. MSME Officer and co-organizer of the event stated, “The Marine Expo is an important way to celebrate and acknowledge Bermuda’s maritime culture. Covid-19 prevented us from coordinating the Expo for the last two years. We were thrilled to be able to bring back the Expo this year, continuing the annual celebration of Bermuda’s maritime history and culture and sharing the opportunities; that the industry provides.”
For the 5th year, RUBIS Energy Ltd. signed on as the event’s lead sponsor. Said Anguel Anguelov, General Manager of RUBiS Energy Bermuda Ltd., “Rubis was thrilled to be able to participate again as the main sponsor of the Expo. This year the Expo allowed many vendors to highlight their products and services after not being able to for the last two years. Supporting local businesses and the community remains our organization’s key objective, and the Expo allows us to do both. For five years, the BEDC has shown its dedication to supporting business in St. Georges by coordinating the Expo. We are happy to continue to underpin the event to ensure its success.”
The BTA and SailGP tent was one of the highlights at this year’s EXPO. Attendees had the chance to try their hand at Grinding to see how they would stack up as crew members on an F50.
Attendees were able to experience various activities that included land and water experiences. Over 60 vendors participated in the Expo, ranging from boat dealers, marine accessories and service providers, Government & Environmental Agencies, water sports organizations, food art, and children’s activity vendors. Still, an exciting experience offered by the Endeavor programme was the Hobie Wave “taster” sailings for kids. One parent remarked that “My daughter loved it! I could not believe how fearless she was on the water – it looks like we may have a future sailor on our hands, and I would have never known if we did not come out today.” Other activities included the Marine & Ports Pilot Boat tours, pilot gig tasters, and a tour of the Spirit of Bermuda.
Charter and Fishing boats lined the docks, adding to the festive atmosphere by providing the thrilling sight of onsite line fishing, with fisherman filleting their haul for the day.
Ray Lambert, MSME Director of the BEDC, remarked, “The St. Georges Marine EXPO has become a staple event for the Town and the Bermuda public. We were thrilled to be able to bring the event back. The great turnout and the participation from the businesses and vendors are a testament that people appreciate and enjoy the event. On behalf of the
BEDC, I want to thank all the participating sponsors and vendors for their help in making the EXPO come alive. Their continued support ensures the success of this event.”
