Bermuda To Hold World Series Event In 2015

November 5, 2014

The America’s Cup website released a new statement today [Nov 5] saying that while Bermuda remains one of two contenders for the final stages of the America’s Cup in 2017, the America’s Cup World Series will be coming to Bermuda in October of 2015, with racing to take place in the Great Sound.

americas cup-world-series-bermuda large

The full post from the website is below:

The America’s Cup World Series – a racing circuit featuring the best sailors in the world, competing on foiling, wingsailed catamarans – will be coming to Bermuda in October of 2015.

The America’s Cup World Series is the first stage of competition in the 35th America’s Cup and begins in the summer of 2015. Featuring all of the America’s Cup teams racing in one design AC45 catamarans, the circuit is an early opportunity to put points on the board that carry forward into the next stage of the competition.

Overall ranking position in the America’s Cup World Series determines the starting points score of the teams in the America’s Cup Qualifiers in 2017.

“We’re delighted to be able to announce Bermuda will host the America’s Cup teams from October 16-18, 2015,” said Premier, the Honourable Michael Dunkley, JP, MP.

“The waters of Bermuda are ideal for racing, as anyone who has sailed here can attest. We’re very excited to have our island be a part of the next America’s Cup and to have an opportunity to showcase our maritime heritage and first class hospitality to the America’s Cup teams.”

“Our team is working very hard to bring the America’s cup to Bermuda and we are truly delighted to have the America’s Cup World Series here next year,” added the Honourable Grant Gibbons, Minister of Education and Economic Development and Bermuda’s America’s Cup Team Leader.

“Given our history of sailing, our focus on the maritime environment and the engagement of our entire community, we are going to make this a very special event.”

Racing in the America’s Cup World Series – Bermuda will take place on The Great Sound, while the team bases and public race village will be located on the waterfront in the heart of the capital, Hamilton.

Bermuda remains as one of two contenders – San Diego is the other – to host the final stages of the America’s Cup in 2017. A decision on the final venue is expected in early December.

“When we started to look at Bermuda as a potential venue for 2017, it quickly became apparent that it would be an ideal location for an America’s Cup World Series event, regardless of the final venue decision,” explained Harvey Schiller, the Commercial Commissioner of the 35th America’s Cup.

“The racing conditions are good for the AC45s, the logistics are in place, and the island is renowned for its hospitality and its capabilities at putting together professional events. It’s a good fit for us.”

Bermuda is celebrated in the international sailing community as the finish port for the Newport-Bermuda race, which will celebrate its 50th edition during its next running in 2016, and for the Bermuda Gold Cup, the oldest one-design match racing event in the world, dating back to 1937.

Current America’s Cup skippers Ben Ainslie (2009, 2010) and Jimmy Spithill (2005) have both won the Bermuda Gold Cup, while Russell Coutts holds a record seven titles.

Now, the island will play to host to one of the opening events in the competition for the oldest trophy in international sport – the America’s Cup.

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Comments (20)

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  1. Raymond Ray says:

    Now U’lot are talking…Sailing is a great part of Bermudian heritage An event such as this will undoubtedly be enlightening many worldwide of our existence 650 odd miles off of the U.S.A. East coast. Job well done Minister Grant Gibbons and all others that were involved in bring this event to Bermuda.

    • Politricks says:

      Good Job yes, but that’s the only sailing race Bermuda will be having as Bermuda won’t host the Americas cup.

    • Micro says:

      Sailing should be our national sport.

    • Onion Seed says:

      What a wonderful opportunity to expose young & fit to the evolution of sailing. These boats fly. There is a “Moth” which will be rounding the Island next month and can be seen in the Harbour often. This new type of boat is like Formula 1 cars, fun to watch and smaller versions a more of a challenge than roads with walls. This is not traditional sailing. Speed demons, look into it!

  2. A Photog says:

    Good pick up since we lost the PGA Frand slam well done Bermuda

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      And that is a good thing. How much did that cost us over the years & a certain someone never did get to meet Tiger Woods to puff up his ego.

    • John Young says:

      great point!

  3. Micro says:

    We’ve known we would very likely be hosting at least some of the races, but does this announcement hint that we will or will not being hosting the main event?

    • Frank says:

      Unfortunately I believe that may be the case, at least this is what happened with the other bidders (Chicago et al) in earlier rounds of bidding before they were told they wouldn’t be considered for the next round.

      • John Young says:

        Let’s hope that’s not the case…but that’s been the trend. Sending out positive vibes that we do get it.

  4. David L says:

    There is one person to thank for this and it is Grant Gibbons. Sailing should be our national sport.

  5. swing voter says:

    nice….fine tuning for the main event….makes sense to me ;-)

  6. Ann says:

    This is great news, I don’t believe anyone has said we have not won the bid yet, still hoping. great Job Mr. Grant Gibbons and OBA. Yes I do believe Bermuda is going back on track!

  7. Sailing guru says:

    Great news OBA.
    This could not have been accomplished by someone with a “spliff” and an elephant behind Maxi Mart!

  8. haha says:

    Everyone should thank Grant Gibbons for this…

  9. John Young says:

    “If you had one shot, one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted. One moment. Would you capture it, or just let it slip?” – Eminen

    Come on my brothers and sister…lets get it together and work together. Put our differences aside and pull together as one people and show what we really have to offer as one country. So what are you gonna do with this opportunity? Argue and whine like ungrateful children in the sand box? Or grow up and act like members of the human race and strive to put our beloved island back on the map! It’s up to you…

  10. more than enough says:

    How far did we have to bend over to recieve this? What is this costing us? How many hotel room nights has dodwell secured at the reefs for the organisers? (All convieneiently paid for by gov.funds…along with his six figure salary from the bta).
    This is turning out to be quite the money grabbing event for you gold diggers isn’t it?
    Unfortunately, the majority of bermudians will receive nothing. Only promises, hopes and dreams of eventually receiving some imaginary benefit from the trickle down effect of rich people making money.
    Don’t hold your breath.
    Btw…dodwell is sporting around in his brand new suv..
    You people, yes, I said ‘you people’,have absolutely no shame at all.