“Bermuda is one of my favourite racing venues in the world,” Sir Ben Ainslie said in his latest column for Boat International magazine, adding that “the people are lovely, and passionate about sailing and sport.”
Writing in the February 2015 issue, the four-time Olympic sailing gold medalist said, “I went to New York for the announcement, and we’re absolutely delighted that Bermuda won the bid, with their historical ties to Britain. I have a personal history with the island and the Bermuda Gold Cup.
“I’ve always really enjoyed being there because of the sailing conditions, and island is beautiful, too. It’s also that much closer to the UK, so travel is easier and the time difference to the UK means that the commercial implications for television are good.”
“Bermuda is one of my favourite racing venues in the world, and I have fond memories of having a bit of success there.The people are lovely, and passionate about sailing and sport, so you know there’s going to be a lot of support on the ground to make it a good event.
Screenshot of Sir Ben’s column for the February 2015 issue of Boat International magazine:
“It was great to see a strong contingent from Bermuda at the announcement and there was clearly a real buzz that they have won the right to host the America’s Cup. If it had gone to a much bigger city then we wouldn’t have the same level of excitement that we are seeing from Bermuda. It means something special to them to be hosts,” continued Sir Ben.
“By the time you read this we will already be in Bermuda for our first testing and training sessions in our foiling Nacra 20s. It’s vital to get up to speed on the conditions as quickly as possible; it will help us with the rest of our programme. We’re looking forward to spending plenty of time there over the next two and a half years and, of course, to being based there for the event itself.”
Launched in 1983, Boat International Magazine bills itself as the “world’s only truly international, monthly, English language luxury yachting magazine” and is distributed in 55 countries.
Sir Ben’s team — Ben Ainslie Racing — is one of six teams that have entered the race for the 35th America’s Cup, along with the defending champion Oracle Team USA, Artemis Racing from Sweden, Emirates Team from New Zealand, Luna Rossa Challenge from Italy as well as Team France.
