Who would ever have believed it?! Two years ago it was announced that Bermuda had been selected as the venue for the 35th Louis Vuitton America's Cup in May and June 2017. It all seemed surreal at the time, but since that incredible news hit the world press, Bermuda has been the focus of six teams, some of which arrived within months of that first annoucnement to set up their race headquarters and training centres.
The day finally arrived on Saturday 27th May with a spectacular start to what is without doubt the largest event ever to be held here in Bermuda.
The America's Cup is being extensively covered by local news media including the Royal Gazette and Bernews, and of course by media throughout the world, providing the Island with international exposure of the very highest quality.
One of the articles published by the Royal Gazette (see http://www.royalgazette.com/americas-cup---news/article/20170527/bermuda-shines-on-spectacular-day) reported:-
'The skies above Dockyard erupted in a cacophony of noise and colour this evening to herald in the beginning of the 35th America’s Cup.
Thousands descended on the America’s Cup Village to witness the long-awaited start of the global sailing spectacle.
The ceremony started with Oracle founder Larry Ellison hinting that if the United States team won they would return to the island.
“If we sail fast enough we are definitely going to come back,” he said.
Mr Ellison added: “I want to thank the people of Bermuda for making us feel so welcome on your beautiful island.
“We are thrilled to be here sailing in the most beautiful sailing venue in the world.”
Michael Dunkley hailed the work of Bermudians who had made the dream of hosting the America’s Cup a reality.
The Premier added: “We will not disappoint you. This is our time to shine.
“We are going to have a wonderful six weeks and the world will never forget Bermuda.”
The comments from Larry Ellison may present a dilemma for people like yours truly who would normally be supporting Team GB and Sir Ben Ainsley, and other supporters of teams such as Sweden, France, New Zealand and Japan, but the possibility of having the 36th America's Cup being held for a second time here in Bermuda if Oracle retains the Cup might just result in some switching of allegiance during the next 6 weeks. For anyone not familiar with the America's Cup, Team U.S.A's Oracle will automatically be in the Final as winner of the last America's Cup even if she finishes outside the top two in the qualifying races.
Bernews is also providing excellent coverage of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup as they have for the incredible opening ceremony (see http://bernews.com/2017/05/premier-americas-cup-an-incredible-spectacle/
We would also highly recommend checking out the following excellent video on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/americascup/videos/1756634501029642/
Stay tuned - this is going to be one spectacular event from start to finish. It also features the Red Bull Series of races involving international teams of young sailors including our own Bermuda Team.
28th May
Editors note - Things not going so well for Team GB at the moment. After winning their first race on Saturday they lost their second race after a collision at the starting line attributed to a mistake by the Brits. They also lost a 2nd race on Sunday so they have to go all out to win all their remaining races in order to qualify for the final.