Swedish America’s Cup team Artemis Racing confirmed today that it will relocate its team base to Morgan’s Point, saying they “look forward to becoming part of the local community in their new Bermudian home.”
Craig Christensen President & CEO of Morgan’s Point, said, “We are delighted to welcome Artemis Racing to Morgan’s Point. This is a very significant development for Bermuda with the team bringing their full operations to the island. Morgan’s Point is here to assist the America’s Cup in any way we can, to help make this the best event our shores have ever seen.”
Artemis Racing’s plans are already underway to start developing its space on Morgan’s Point, with the team hoping to be fully operational there by early 2016.
Mirroring the team’s current base in Alameda, CA, which once housed another type of flying boat – the US Navy’s seaplane fleet – Morgan’s Point was also once a sprawling US Navy base full of seaplanes. Over the next few years, Morgan’s Point is scheduled to undergo major redevelopment.
“Our sailing operations will be conducted in the Royal Naval Dockyard during the 35th America’s Cup in 2017, and we are very excited to be a part of what will be a fantastic event,” said Team Manager Iain Percy.
“However, the size of this unique historical location at Morgan’s Point will enable us to relocate our full operational base to Bermuda much earlier. We would like to thank ACBDA and Minister Gibbons for their support, which has been central to the team’s relocation to Bermuda”, added Mr. Percy.
Commenting on the potential home advantage, Helmsman Nathan Outteridge said, “The Great Sound is a challenging place to sail, and the conditions can vary significantly from day to day. We hope that being based in Bermuda early will provide us with the best possible preparation ahead of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Qualifiers in 2017”.
Artemis Racing said they have been “overwhelmed by the support from the people of Bermuda during their recent training camp there, and look forward to becoming part of the local community in their new Bermudian home.”
