America’s Cup officials believe the Island is an ideal place to host an America’s Cup World Series event next year.

Acknowledging Bermuda’s famous reputation for hospitality, Harvey Schiller, the event’s Commercial Commissioner, said it was obvious from an early stage that racing could take place here.

His remarks came after yesterday’s announcement that the Island will host an America’s Cup World Series event in October next year.

“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,” Mr Schiller said.

“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.”

Announcing the news, a delighted Michael Dunkley said he was very excited about the prospect of hosting America’s Cup teams in 2015.

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

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

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 wingsail 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.

Bermuda and San Diego are the remaining candidates to host the final stages of the America’s Cup in 2017. A decision on the final venue is expected early next month.

Education and Economic Development Minister Grant Gibbons, who is spearheading Bermuda’s 2017 America’s Cup bid, said: “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.

“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.”

See sport section for further reaction to Bermuda hosting America’s Cup World Series.