MP Kenneth Bascome has urged America’s Cup organisers to consider holding World Series races in St George’s Harbour.

The call comes just a week after it was revealed that Hamilton Harbour could potentially provide the backdrop for America’s Cup World Series racing.

Mr Bascome told The Royal Gazette he could see no reason why the Olde Towne could not host some of the World Series races.

“I believe that St George’s Harbour would be the ideal place for these races to be held,” he said.

“It is larger than Hamilton Harbour and there are more vantage points for viewing the racing.

“There is also a large building on Penno’s Wharf that would provide a great opportunity for one of the teams to be based in St George’s too.”

Peter Rusch, spokesman for the American’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA) confirmed organisers were looking at the possibility of bringing the finishes into Hamilton Harbour during the World Series, but said all racing would take place in the Great Sound.

He said: “All racing will take place in the Great Sound, although the regatta director is looking at bringing the finishes in to Hamilton Harbour during the America’s Cup World Series event in October under certain wind and weather conditions.

“This would allow all Bermudians to enjoy the America’s Cup experience at the Event Village and to catch sight of the exciting race finishes just off the waterfront along Front Street.

“At the recent Town Hall meeting, Russell Coutts, the CEO of the America’s Cup Event Authority, spoke about the Community Sailing Programme that is under development. One of two bases for this programme will be in St George’s.

“We’re very excited about including all Bermudians in the America’s Cup and through cooperation with ACBDA we are working to involve the entire community in all the events from the first America’s Cup World Series through the racing in 2017.”

A graphic unveiled at last Tuesday’s public meeting depicted the finish line in front of the Flagpole on Front Street.

The overall ranking position in the World Series will determine the starting points score for the teams involved in the qualifiers in 2017.

Mr Bascome added: “The idea of hosting World Series racing in St George’s Harbour may throw the cat among the pigeons, but it appears that St George’s never gets the credence it deserves.

“I am hoping to speak with Dr Gibbons about this idea and see what they say about it. Areas like Marginal Wharf, Top’s Square, the St George’s Club and Barracks Hill would provide ideal locations to view the racing from.”

The World Series will officially begin in Portsmouth, England from July 23 to 26.

The next event will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden from August 28 to 30, and Bermuda will be the venue for the third set of races from October 16 to 18.