2024 marks the 22nd year that Renaissance Reinsurance has sponsored the prestigious Junior Gold Cup in Bermuda.
Entry to the Renaissance Junior Gold Cup is by invitation from the regatta organisers.
This event is run in conjunction with the Argo Group Gold Cup professional World Match Racing Tour event, this mini “world cup” invitational brings some of the most accomplished youth sailors from around the world to Bermuda for a youth sailing event contested in International Optimist dinghies.
Renaissance Reinsurance provides in conjunction with the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club provides coaching, charter boats and equipment for competing. Sailors representing North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Caribbean attend.
Once in Bermuda, local families host the young sailors. The backdrop of the Argo Group Gold Cup match racing event running concurrently with the youth event provides a real bonus for all the kids entered in the regatta with the young sailors attending the daily. The Renaissance Re Junior Gold Cup will conduct four fleet races per day on Great Sound. The event is run by volunteers from RBYC and BODA. The final day usually sees the championship sailed on Hamilton Harbour during the final rounds of the Argo Group Gold Cup if time and conditions allow.

2024 Regatta Details
Dates
2024 Dates to be confirmed (1st week in May or 1st week in October – tbc)
Timings are very tight from invitation being sent to sailor so it is important that if you think your sailor may be eligible a decision is required within 24 hours from 1st invite being sent out by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
Selection
Invitation only. Invite will be sent to NZIODA and we will contact sailor/parent directly.
Sailors
1st Girl or 1st Boy ranked after NZIODA Nationals for the season 2023/2024 dependent upon criteria set by Royal Bermuda Yacht Club
or
1st NZ Sailor at Worlds
Please note that NZIODA do not set the criteria for NZ entry. This is done by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in conjunction with their sponsors and as such the criteria can change without notice.
Coach
No coach
Manager
Parent of sailor
Important Information
Example of paperwork to be completed by parent and sailor
Oveseas Entry Form, Parent Guardian Declaration and Code of Conduct for Royal Bermuda Yacht Club
Previous examples of NOR, Schedule of Events and Sailing Instructions
An example of Schedule of Events
An example of Sailing Instructions
Travel & Accommodation
How to get to Bermuda? There is a direct flight from Auckland to New York with Air NZ and then fly to Bermuda directly for New York.
Renaissance Re Limited in 2023 agreed to underwrite part of the travel costs for top International Optimist sailors to come to Bermuda for the event. The event will be able to provide up to US$1800 to be used toward your sailor’s airfare. (Please note that this may not be the case for 2024). In 2023 NZIODA were able to secure funding of US$2000. Note that funding may NOT be available for 2024.
On the water coach, a free charter boat, inclusive of spars and blades and meals will be provided.
Sailors will each be staying with a Bermuda Optimist family and should not incur any costs once in Bermuda other than anything they may wish to purchase here. Parents are welcome to join their sailors in Bermuda.
While we do not have funds for parent travel, however, RBYC may have access to some discounted hotel rooms.
What equipment do I need to take?
2 x bailers, 1 x bow line, wind indicator
Video & Official Website
Interested in watching what happens at this prestigious regatta click on the link below to view video.
RenaissanceRe Junior Gold Cup Sailing Regatta 10th Anniversary
https://www.juniorgoldcup.com/
Updated 04.09.23
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