Bermuda has been shortlisted in its bid to host the 2017 America’s Cup, the world’s most prestigious sailing competition.
The Island is now one of four locations being considered by the America’s Cup Event Authority, which is the organizing body for the Cup’s 35th competition, the world’s oldest international sailing trophy.
Bermuda’s bid to host the competition started in March following an invitation from the Authority to place a bid.
“This is a great opportunity for Bermuda on many levels,” Premier Craig Cannonier said. “The America’s Cup is a spectacular sporting event attracting worldwide attention, generating business, jobs and extensive television exposure for the host location.
“It is a great opportunity to showcase Bermuda on the world stage – our people, our island, our rich maritime heritage, our way of life.
“I want to commend the work of the bid team put together by Dr. Grant Gibbons, the Minister of Education and Economic Development. They worked fast and hard to put together an impressive bid document in a short period of time. Their work will continue as we continue to pursue this remarkable opportunity.”
Representatives of the America’s Cup Event Authority visited the Island in March to inspect possible event locations and racecourses in The Great Sound. Following the invitation to bid for the race, Dr. Gibbons organized a small bid team with representatives from the private sector, the Bermuda Government and the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
“The team worked flat-out for three weeks to put together an extraordinary bid document that we submitted to the Authority,” Dr. Gibbons said. “We were subsequently informed that Bermuda had been moved to the second round in which our bid would be considered against three other locations.
“Our team is now in the process of working with the America’s Cup Event Authority to secure corporate sponsorships, which are a prime requirement in determining the successful final bid.”
In the next month or so, the Authority will narrow the selection to just two possible locations, with the final decision by September. If Bermuda is successful in being selected as one of two final locations, it will be assured a World Series event, which is part of the challenger series for the Cup, regardless of whether it is ultimately successful in its bid to host the finals.
Dr. Gibbons said the America’s Cup interest in Bermuda was an extraordinary honour, reflecting the many attributes that make the Island special.
“I was proud of the fact that our submission made clear that our bid was coming from the Island as a whole not just a town or city, and that Bermuda’s history showed our ability as a people to unite behind historical moments and opportunities.
“Our bid addressed Bermuda’s attributes for hosting such an event and highlighted the Island’s maritime heritage, including the fact that the Bermuda rig revolutionized sailing and continues in use today.
“It was a presentation, in short, that emphasized the fact that Bermuda is an island with a proud maritime legacy providing a spectacular setting for such an international event.
“The Premier and I look forward to keeping Bermuda updated on the work to secure this extraordinary opportunity.”
