CRUISE SHIPS WILL ADD TO BERMUDA’S HOTEL CAPACITY DURING THE AMERICA’S CUP.
Citing “a person close to the decision,” both the AP’s Bernie Wilson and the Wall Street Journal’s Stu Woo have reported that Bermuda has been selected as the site of the 2017 America’s Cup. The San Diego Union Tribune quoted San Diego Tourism Authority CEO Joe Terzi as confirming the rumor. In an interview in October, ACEA head Russell Coutts said the selection of a venue “will be decided mainly on commercial considerations.”
ACEA has called a press conference in New York on 2 December to announce the venue formally.
In July, Luna Rossa, Artemis Racing, Team France and Ben Ainslie Racing all declared that they would support either Bermuda or San Diego as the venue for the America’s Cup Match.
What about Emirates Team New Zealand?
On their Facebook page, ETNZ posted this update: The America’s Cup rumour mill is again in overdrive… so responding to unconfirmed reports that Bermuda had won the right to host the 35th America’s Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton said the team had not been told of a decision.
“We have been invited to a press conference to be held at New York on December 2 when the announcement will be made. Until then it is only media speculation.
“San Diego and Bermuda are the only potential venues left in the race so the media has a 50/50 chance of being right.
“We have developed business cases for both venues and have been in communication with potential sponsors and supporters. We have been encouraged by the positive reception we have had.
“The team awaits the official announcement and will then assess the situation and closely examine the funding model.”
That is not a 100% confirmation that ETNZ will get their funding. Let’s hope they do – the America’s Cup without the Kiwis wouldn’t be the same!