Bermuda To Host World Series Sailing Event
Having made it to the final stage of the America’s Cup bidding process, Bermuda is set to host an America’s Cup World Series racing event regardless of the outcome of the final venue selection, the Government announced this evening.
A Government spokesperson said, ‘As the final America’s Cup host venue selection process draws closer, the Bermuda Team responsible for Bermuda’s bid to host the America’s Cup in 2017 provided a brief progress report to date.
“Last month, the America’s Cup Event Authority [ACEA] announced that the decision was down to either Bermuda or San Diego to host the premier sailing event.
“It has now been confirmed that having made it to the final stage of the bidding process, the Island is set to host an America’s Cup World Series racing event regardless of the outcome of the final venue selection.
Benainslieracing.com lists the map below as the proposed America’s Cup Race Course in Bermuda:
“Minister of Education & Economic Development, Dr. Grant Gibbons reported that he and members of the local Bermuda America’s Cup organizing team met in New York with senior representatives of the ACEA to discuss Bermuda’s bid to host the America’s Cup finals in 2017 and at least one World Series Race in 2015 and/or 2016.
“The meeting reviewed a number of organizational and logistical issues that Bermuda will need to address in order to be able to accommodate not only the racing teams, but also technical support, sponsors, media and the large influx of visitors wishing to view the event on island over the 2015 to 2017 period. Infrastructure requirements and site preparation for the Hamilton Waterfront, Morgan’s Point and Dockyard were also considered during the meeting.
“Further discussions and meetings with the ACEA, the Bermuda America’s Cup organizing team and Government will take place over the next few weeks in order to ensure that Bermuda’s bid to host the Finals in 2017 is robust and competitive.”
Minister Gibbons said, “I was very pleased with the meetings and the strong working relationship established with the ACEA, and I’m looking forward to further discussions over the next few weeks as more details are resolved. I feel quite confident that Bermuda will not only present a strong bid, but will be seen as the optimum location for the AC35 finals in 2017.”
“Meanwhile, the Minister also took the opportunity to address media reports of late indicating some displeasure by some in the international sailing community about Bermuda or San Diego being possible host venues,” added the spokesperson.
“In fact, Minister Gibbons shared that recently, there has been encouraging feedback received from the challenging teams expressing support for either venue as the next America’s Cup destination.”
Minister Gibbons said, “Key sailing teams which will be participating in the upcoming America’s Cup have confirmed their full support of the event, regardless which host venue is selected.
“These entities, from the teams to the organizing committees have stated that they are truly focused on ensuring a successful America’s Cup, and that is where Bermuda’s focus should be as well.
“I cannot emphasize enough – the America’s Cup has the potential to be an historic moment for us. The opportunities in terms of stimulating our economy and creating jobs are tremendous, and if we are to be successful we will need the full support of everyone on the Island, both during this final selection period and through 2017.”
It is anticipated that a final decision on which venue will host the America’s Cup Finals will be determined in the fall by the ACEA.
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Great job OBA and team Bermuda.
Still waiting for the PLP to offer congratulations for this successful bid, however, history has taught us they prefer to put the party’s interests ahead of the island’s so it’s not surprising they spend most sound bites complaining about the Government’s efforts to solve their many errors and missteps which littered their last 8 years at the helm.
I share your joy at this latest news, however, let’s keep politics out of this going forward, the PLP are free to chime in or not on their own and should they choose so, I only hope it would be in a positive fashion. This has the potential to be a tremendous boon or flop for all in this country and our reputation, and keeping local politricks out of it will be part of helping it succeed. Trust me when I say there is already enough politics involved in this race to begin with.
Wait till the OBA tells you the bad news!!
32n64w: You’d read my mind my thoughts verbatim…
The Key here is to put the emphasis on a good thing for Bermuda and not worry about the opposition Political Party.
I don’t think that the opposition Party is stupid enough to dog this event or the OBA for pushing for it knowing that it’s only going to bring a positive results for and to Bermuda.
Sooner or later Marc Bean will have a word of congratulations.- he has too!
This is great news, while I hope we get the chance for the Cup final, the chance to showcase any of the events in our local waters will be a boon for all in the island. Finally seeing the course details is great as it looks like one of my favourite vistas, Fort Scaur, will provide an excellent vantage to watch these top athletes compete.
I am NOT a sailor but WOW, just WOW for getting this far in the selection. Full appreciation for all of those who have been working so hard to get to this point.
Well done BERMUDA……and all who made this all happen so far…
this is major……but are we gonna shoot ourselves in both feet again?
That question should be presented to the Unions and the Progressive Labour Party who are, (it appears to be) hell-bent on pulling us ALL down
Awsome OBA! Keep at it, this will be so good for all of us
Well done Bermuda. The members of my prestigious yacht club can’t wait to host fellow yachtsmen and women and the upscale crowd that yachting attracts. The social committee is already working hard to plan events and without saying too much, we have some fantastic entertainment lined up. More news to follow. Fingers crossed that we get the full event.
Upscale crowd? Please explain.
The people this will attract have money. There is no denying that. They will spend, spend, spend. This is a great look for bermuda to start attracting a luxury travel market that equals upscale. There is no denying that for an event like this. Do you know how much it costs to register for an event like this?!
Please don’t act so surprised with the crowd this will attract one you look into what this is all about.
It is a spoof, just ignore the nonsense. All folks love a big event.
Dee, Mr Commodore means the posh people! He seriously makes the members of his “prestigious” club look like right snobs. Well done!
uhh, what’s the BBIRYC – satire??
Exactly
Satire- not. BBIRYC is an established yachting club albeit our membership numbers do not compare to the other yachting clubs here in Bermuda. More info will be disseminated in due course.
I’m sorry, but what is BBIRYC?
Fantastic. Now I need to learn about sailing!
It is important to note, the boats they use aren’t your usual sail boats, these are the F1 racers of the sailing world, part sail boat, part hydroplane and those that race them require tremendous endurance, skill and concentration. They have proven to be tragically deadly.
@pwndwg
Sailing like many other sports unites people together from all walks of life.
The Olympics has sailing events that does the same thing, you may shed a tear, especially when we see team Bermuda carrying our Bermuda flag in to the arena along with all the other nations on the planet.
” Fantastic, Now I need to learn about sailing”
Well! Sir, I have been sailing for well over 50 years and I still do not know it all and never will.
No mater who you are or where you come from, sailing is for every one.
To further your interest may I suggest you go on youtube choose the topic “Sailing” you will find America Cup catamarans racing at breath taking speeds to school children just starting out in an 8 ft sailing dinghy along with many sailing tutorials.
We have 6 big boat and two model sailboats clubs here, all you need do is walk through that door for that experience of a lifetime ,the school children, are sailing in Hamilton harbor.
Today , you have opened the door to every avenue of sailing imaginable. Welcome !
Keep up the good work OBA….THIS WOULD BE MAJOR FOR BERMUDA…San Franscisco netted $550 million into their economy..think of all the jobs and services created! ALL OF BERMUDA PLEASE JOIN IN SUPPORT of this MAJOR STIMULUS PACKAGE!
Um just happy for BERMUDA 2 get some type of stimulus for our “stuck on neutral” economy! F%$@ the political side of things! Great news my fellow Bermudians!
Well we no u won’t b the government in 2017. Thhts a given by a landslide. PLP. 24 14.
Yawn
Oh, really! You poor thing! Let your party keep talking about Independence.And we are not ready yet to forgive your party for nearly bankrupting us. OK.
Desmond dream on …if you look at your tv guide there is an Alice in Wonderland you should watch and I have some lovely waterfront swamp land for sale give me a call….. This is some very good and exciting news and an opportunity for the entire community to embrace. The economic impact will be incredible and what this will do for tourism is enormous. Good news continue to come glad to see that concentrated leadership can be successful.
Regardless of your politics and regardless of your views on sailing, this is a historic opportunity to both showcase Bermuda and get some infrastructure investment. Let’s all get behind this and huge congratulations to the team who have achieved it.
No comments from the trump or famous crew? I wonder why?
They have to pay a visit to Alaska Hall to get directions on how to handle this one.
I guess my son would have to become a sailor, golfer or Tennis player thats all I see where to money is being put into… I am happy to see these events here in bermuda but we have far more talented kids that can play football or ride on/off road bikes…
There are a Vast amount of youth football programs on the island …a whole bunch of teams just came back from another overseas tournament (Disney).
There is the national stadium, hotel based tennis training and tennis tournaments and camps here.
We have mountain bike racing in bermuda for the youth at Aboretum
We have Time trials, team racing and triathalons galore here.
All these sports you have referenced have increased exposure in Bermuda and at low cost to access.
I just had my 4-year old attend the Pro Soccer Clinic and he got a lot out of it.
I coach youth cricket, signing your son up with a club is pretty seamless.
Almost every sport you could name, has an organisation that includes a youth programme or training. Some of them even host international tournaments or go on overseas tours.
Are you living anywhere near Bermuda? Take your pick, soccer or cricket, both get more money than all other sports combined. Both produce miserable results on the world stage.
Lets not even talk about womens sports. They get next to nothing at all. Guess women don’t pay taxes in Bermuda. They don’t deserve Government grants.
Kids can learn to sail here for free.
The HSBC summer golf programme had free lessons and $10 entry fees for some of the top courses (not bad for four/five hours of entertainment).
Chelsea came here on a coaching/scouting camp and there are various other football programmes.
Encourage your son to try as many different sports as possible and seek out the opportunities. Contrary to what many believe, there is loads out there.
Nice job OBA!!! Now all we need to do is “convince” the ACEA and ALL of the sailing countries involved – to give the Island an opportunity to prove to them – that we can provide ALL the infrastructure required to host an event of this magnitude!!
If you can get the *BIG ONE* (America’s Cup) – then that will give the Island more exposure as a quality vacation destination – than an amount of $$$ could ever buy!!!
ALL Bermudians should be 110% on-board on this issue…Including the BIU!!! Some things are “priceless” and procuring this event for BDA would be one of them!!
Every *Onion* has a stake in making this happen!!