The America’s Cup has revealed that Bermuda will play host to the world-renowned America’s Cup sailing event in 2017, with the island offering its unbeatable locale to participants and spectators alike.
The oldest international trophy in world sport, the first race was organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1851 and prize was a silver Cup that was valued at One Hundred Pounds sterling. The race was won by a syndicate from the New York Yacht Club.
The trophy was renamed the America’s Cup after the winning yacht and was donated to the New York Yacht Club under the terms of the Deed of Gift which made the Cup available for perpetual international competition.
“We are delighted to bring the 35th America’s Cup to Bermuda in 2017. Being home of the America’s Cup is an extraordinary opportunity that fits the heritage, profile, culture and future of Bermuda and its people,” said Bermuda Premier Michael Dunkley.
“We thank the America’s Cup Event Authority for their confidence in us – and for their vision to evolve the experience for spectators and participants alike.
“There is no better vivid and hospitable setting than Bermuda to stage an event of this nature and for the next evolution of this sport. Indeed, this designation marks an exciting new chapter for our island as well.”
Harvey Schiller, the Commercial Commissioner for the America’s Cup, said “In Bermuda we have a perfect international venue to demonstrate the excitement America’s Cup boats and teams can generate.
“The sailing conditions are near perfect. The race course on The Great Sound is a natural amphitheater with room for racing and spectators, amid a spectacular backdrop of islands and beaches.
“And the proposed America’s Cup Village at the Royal Naval Dockyard will be the heart of the event for the teams and fans alike.”
“The 2017 America’s Cup will build on the successful elements that now define the event – close racing in fast, foiling catamarans crewed by the very best sailors in the world and delivered to an international audience by award-winning broadcasters.”
The Royal Naval Dockyard, with its magnificent setting and rich maritime history, was selected as the venue to base the 2017 America’s Cup.
A purpose-built event village will be developed in the South Basin of Dockyard, offering an unparalleled viewing experience, along with infrastructure to support and service the sailing teams and spectators.
Six teams have so far taken up the challenge of racing for the next America’s Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport. The defending champion is Oracle Team USA, which won the last event with a spectacular comeback over Emirates Team New Zealand, who return as a challenger, along with Artemis Racing from Sweden, Ben Ainslie Racing from England, Luna Rossa Challenge from Italy and Team France.
In 2017, all teams will compete in their new AC62 catamarans, powered by highly-efficient wingsails and designed to fly above the water on foils at speeds near 50 mph.
