The next America's Cup will be contested in Bermuda in 2017 after defending champion Oracle Team USA chose the tiny mid-Atlantic island as host of the world's premier sailing competition.
The move to select the British island territory by Oracle, who as defending champion earned the right to select the race's next venue, marks the first time a US team has chosen to defend the title outside the country.
Jimmy Spithill will be defending the America's Cup in Bermuda. Photo: Photosport
Bermuda and San Diego were the two finalists vying to host the 35th edition of the America's Cup, which is held roughly every three to five years.
Oracle Team USA won the 2010 America's Cup and successfully defended it last year, coming from behind to defeat Team New Zealand in the tie-breaking 19th race of the finals to win sailing's biggest trophy.
The island, a two hour flight from the east coast of the United States, may pose some logistical challenges for teams, but has a record of running high-end sailing regattas.
It had been suggested that Team New Zealand preferred a regatta in San Diego, however Team New Zealand boss Kevin Shoebridge, who is at the venue launch in New York, says they have worked closely on both venue options in recent months.
Shoebridge says Bermuda is a fantastic sailing venue.
He says they will now immediately start working with their sponsors and the government to make sure that they are there.
The government has previously said it would be harder to justify sponsoring Team New Zealand, if the island was chosen.
Team New Zealand is a five-time finalist and twice winner of the America's Cup. Photo: Photosport
