Arguably one of Bermuda’s most breathtaking sights, the Great Sound is Bermuda’s largest semi-contained body of water, and in December 2014 was selected as the battleground for the the world’s most prestigious sailing event: the 35th America’s Cup (AC35).
Located in the island’s west end, the Great Sound is surrounded by land to the south, west and east, while its north side opens up into the Atlantic ocean. It is home to many smaller islands, a diverse range of marine life, and perhaps most importantly to the America’s Cup sailors, near-perfect wind conditions for competitive sailing.
The land surrounding the Great Sound offers ideal viewing conditions for America’s Cup racing, as Bermuda’s topography and fishhook shape lend to the west end acting as a sort of “amphitheatre” to the massive body of water.
There are several ways to experience the exquisite beauty of the Great Sound. Locals and visitors alike can explore by ferry, sailboat, charter boat or simply a relaxing swim. If you want to view it from the land, your best bets are Spanish Point (Pembroke), Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse (Southampton) and Fort Scaur (Somerset), as all three offer gorgeous vantage points from which to appreciate its full beauty.
