A late proposal that would have seen a Bermuda team compete in the 35th America’s Cup has fallen by the wayside.

A spokesman for a group behind the ambitious plan confirmed yesterday that they had considered entering a team, but have since had a change of heart.

“We were at one time in loose discussions about possibly entering a Bermuda boat in AC35, “ the spokesman told The Royal Gazette. “[But] this is now definitely not going to happen.”

The group’s decision to drop plans for a home entry came after America’s Cup legend Dennis Conner declined an offer to manage the team and help to raise funds to finance the campaign.

“I am not in any position to raise the money or actively manage the effort,” said Mr Conner, a four-time America’s Cup winner. “Thanks for thinking of me, I do think a challenge for the America’s Cup is a good idea. It would be popular with everyone if it is well funded and well run.

“I know you [Bermuda] have the talent available to make the sailing part of the challenge successful.”

Mr Conner will be on Island next month to share his expertise and raise funds for a Bermuda team to compete at this summer’s ISAF Team Racing World Championships in England during a dinner/lecture at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club on February 20.

Bermuda will host the 35th America’s Cup in June, 2017, and the America’s Cup World Series this October.