Next month’s Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series will give Bermudians a taste of the excitement to come in 2017, according to event organisers.

Six America’s Cup teams will compete on the Great Sound in official races on October 17 and 18, with high-tech catamarans showcased in Bermuda for the first time.

International broadcast coverage will extend to the United States, Europe, China, Australia, Latin America and the Caribbean covering a total of more than 100 territories.

Revealing details about the event in a statement this evening, organisers said Front Street will play host to the free “Our Bermuda” festival and event village which will feature “the very best of Bermuda including food and drink vendors, exhibitors, family friendly activities both on land and on water” from the Friday evening through to Sunday evening. The Saturday evening will also include a concert at the fan zone featuring international and local artists.

On Thursday, October 15, ahead of the opening of the event village, the America’s Cup Community Sailing initiative, the Endeavour Programme, is planning to open its new facility in St George’s, with a full afternoon of activities in the East End.

On Friday, October 16, the teams will take part in official practice racing before the point scoring races on the Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

All the weekend racing action will be accessible to the public on land, via big screens with live commentary at the fan zone.

Spectator boats will also be available, along with spectator craft zones alongside the race course.

Mike Winfield, CEO of America’s Cup Bermuda, stated: “This is an exciting opportunity for the Bermuda public to get an early look at the America’s Cup and we’re sure the interest level will be high.

“These AC45 catamarans are incredibly fast and we are working with all the necessary stakeholders to ensure great viewing but also public safety.”

The races will be held on the Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 3.30pm with a “Dock Out Show” prior to the first race on both days and a “Dock In Show” after the second race on both days.

The first race of each day will start and finish in the Great Sound while the second race will start in the Great Sound but finish in Hamilton Harbour in front of the Event Village.

Jimmy Spithill, skipper and helmsman of Oracle Team USA, stated: “We are thrilled to be racing in home waters for the first time in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series.

“We encourage the entire Bermuda community to come out and support us and, at the same, enjoy a weekend of fun for the whole family. I know all of the teams are looking forward to some incredible racing on the Great Sound race course.”

The event village will be on Front Street between Court Street and Par-la-Ville Road, with the road closed throughout the weekend from Friday, October 16, at 4pm until Sunday, October 18, at 7pm.

A public town hall and panel discussion is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, during which full plans World Series event will be covered in detail. The panel will include Sir Russell Coutts, CEO of the America’s Cup Event Authority, Grant Gibbons, Minister of Economic Development, and key members of the America’s Cup Bermuda organising committee.

Sir Russell stated: “We are looking forward to having the Bermuda public come out to witness these magnificent boats fly over the clear blue waters of Bermuda.

“This is the first real opportunity for the eyes of the world to focus on the America’s Cup in Bermuda, and I know everyone who visits or sees the racing on television next month will understand why we selected Bermuda as the host venue of the America’s Cup.”