America's Cup- Bermuda celebrates the arrival of the Cup on the Island

by Sail-World on 5 Dec 2014 Crowds lined Front Street in Bermuda as the America’s Cup Venue celebration took place, following after the announcement on Tuesday that Bermuda has been selected to be Venue for the America’s Cup in 2017.

The America’s Cup trophy arrived in Bermuda onboard a private jet earlier that day, and was driven in a motorcade to the Cabinet Office grounds, where people gathered to get a glimpse of the trophy.

Following that, there was special block party on Front Street which involved the arrival of the trophy, speeches from local dignitaries, the Bermuda Regiment Band, the Gombeys, music and a fireworks display.

'Winning the bid to host the 2017 America’s Cup is the beginning and it can be the catalyst we need to propel us into a prosperous future', said Premier Dunkley

'There is work to be done and jobs to be had. There will be opportunities for Bermudians in every level of our workforce; including international business, law, real estate, restaurateurs and hospitality, construction… the list is endless, and we see all Bermudians benefiting from the America’s Cup.



'There is an investment in our infrastructure and economy that is coming. Such development will live far beyond 2017 as a legacy both to the America’s Cup and Bermuda.

'We will have members of the sailing teams and the America’s Cup Event Authority moving here. They will need homes to live in, rooms to redecorate and gardens to be cared for. They will need offices to rent, restaurants to entertain in and stores to go shopping.

'This is exactly the type of stimulus the economy needs. In addition sponsors, media and fans will be visiting from as far away as New Zealand.

'Perhaps just as importantly, by winning the bid to host the America’s Cup, we have grabbed the spotlight and turned it towards our Island. That fact alone has people, around the world, sitting up and paying attention.

'The America’s Cup is not just a one hit wonder, it will sustain and grow over the next two and a half years.

Premier Dunkley continued, 'And let me pause for a moment to announce the first Bermuda Tier 3 sponsor. My sincere thanks and congratulations go to Malcolm Gosling and Goslings. Goslings will now be the official rum of the 2017 Americas Cup!



'Ladies and gentlemen, the America’s Cup will have positive impact throughout our community and will produce lasting legacies for our people.

'Many have asked how did our small Island community earn the right to host the 2017 America’s Cup. Simply by demonstrating our passion, our will, by applying our skills and experience and by emphasizing our strengths as an island.

'For over four centuries, the mystique that is Bermuda has been evolving with each generation adding its own contribution. Now there is a new generation of Bermudians ready to write our next chapter.

'We have a history of punching above our weight. And so when we are asked if we can host the America’s Cup, we’ve always answered yes we can!

'It’s been said elsewhere but today it is Bermuda’s turn, today we must say together, yes we can, yes we will and we look forward to it. We stepped up, we took a risk and we worked hard,' said the Premier.

'The volume of work, the commitment and focus that has pulled this bid across the line is extraordinary. The pride in this achievement will inspire generations to follow and remind us of what we can do when we pull together.

'We have been selected as a steward for the most prestigious yachting trophy in the world and it is our honour to do so.

'The world will be watching us, starting next October with the World Series Event and going on into 2017.



'When the racing kicks off in the Great Sound, which I believe will be seen as the most spectacular sailing venue on the planet, the world will witness, and never forget, the greatest show on foils.

'However before we get there we have a lot of work to do and together we will get the job done. But tonight… we celebrate. Bermuda, this is our moment to shine… so, let’s celebrate tonight and then tomorrow let’s get to work, together.'



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