Bermudian contractors and service providers are combining forces to complete Oracle Team USA’s new home in Dockyard. The base will be the centre of Oracle’s racing operations in Bermuda and represents phase one, of the multiphase project of what will become the America’s Cup Event Village.

Site preparation in Dockyard began in January. To date, 19 subcontractors and six suppliers have completed tasks ranging from site surveying, trenching for utilities, pouring concrete foundations, laying asphalt and erecting the steel frame of the building. This work has resulted in approximately 125 employees being engaged in the project.

BCMcAlpine is the construction manager for the ACBDA side of the project, with a primary role of preparing the bid documents and oversight of the construction.

“When Bermuda won the host bid we were presented with an extraordinary challenge and had to start preparing the site almost immediately,” said Mike Winfield, the ACBDA chief executive officer. “Just over 90 days later, a huge amount of progress has been made, thanks to the commitment and abilities of the Bermudian contractors on the site.

“There has been excellent teamwork between the various companies and it is gratifying to see these companies working together so well to get the job done.”

The preparation of the site for the Event Village is one of the significant responsibilities of the ACBDA as Bermuda prepares to host the America’s Cup in June 2017. Bermuda must provide the horizontal, or flat, space on top of which the teams can build their racing bases and the America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA) can build the Event Village.

“We’ve said from the beginning that Bermuda will need to pull together to make the event successful,” Mr Winfield said. “I’m happy to say we’re already seeing that collaborative spirit in Dockyard. The list of contractors and service providers working on the Oracle base is extensive and reflects ACBDA’s commitment to ensure wide access to opportunities from America’s Cup-related work.

“As another example, last week the [MV] Oleander made its first-ever offload in Dockyard with a team of stevedores travelling on the ship from Hamilton to offload 40ft containers to the Oracle base.”

Inside the containers, which travelled from San Francisco, was the infrastructure of the new racing base, including a gymnasium, kitchen facilities, a mechanical workshop and high-speed support boats.

Ian Stewart, head of team operations and logistics for Oracle described the base as similar to a Formula One pitstop operation. “Our feeling is that everyone is keen for this to happen and to make it happen,” he said. “That makes our job very easy.”

The base is scheduled to be ready for Oracle to begin sailing early next month.

The list of contractors and service providers working on the Oracle base are to date: Q-Ship Enterprises, Dynamic Excavating, A1 Fencing, Belco, Bermuda Blue Printing, SAL Trading, Biermans Concrete Products, TC Associates, Running Water, Unique Builders, Correia Construction, Island Construction, D & J Excavating, Atlantic Water Development, East End Asphalt, Island Glass, Hunt’s Construction, Horsfield Landscaping and Design, Batson Swan Plumbing and Heating, P & M Electrical Services and Supply, Barclay’s Construction, Building Blocks Construction, Air Pro, ACS and Primeworks Property Services.

Established in January 2015, the ACBDA is the organisation charged with delivering Bermuda’s obligations and responsibilities as host country for the 2017 America’s Cup.

In carrying out its responsibilities, the ACBDA represents Bermuda’s interests across all parties, including defining a positive, long-term legacy. The ACBDA also works to ensure effective communications with the broader Bermuda community relating to the America’s Cup and the associated impacts and opportunities. In addition, the ACBDA will work with the ACEA to help to raise sponsorship funds that will help offset Bermuda’s sponsorship guarantee commitments.

Events set to take place in Bermuda include the America’s Cup World Series in October, the Youth America’s Cup in 2017, the America’s Cup Challenger Play-offs in 2017, the America’s Cup Concert Series 2017, the America’s Cup Super-Yacht Regatta 2017 and the Finals of the America’s Cup in June 2017.

The ACBDA board of directors is chairman Peter Durhager, John Collis, David Dodwell, Darren Johnston, Warren Jones, Donna Pearman, Denise Riviere, Jasmin Smith, Blythe Walker and Mr Winfield.