Mike Winfield, CEO of ACBDA, hailed the launch of the 35th America’s Cup as a huge success for the island on the world stage.

In a statement yesterday, he described the America’s Cup as the largest international event ever staged in Bermuda, praising the hard work of all those who came together to bring it to fruition.

“Bermuda has a lot to be proud of, we have achieved a great deal,” he said.

“We have shown that Bermuda has what it takes to host a world-class event and with most of the steep learning curves behind us, we now know what to expect in hosting any future large-scale event. The planning and processes that have been developed throughout, are a part of the legacy that has been created in the last two years.

“We now have a ‘stadium venue’ called Cross Island, as one option for the long term use of the island. Regardless of where in Bermuda an event is staged we have shown we have the expertise, energy and skills in planning, testing, project management, transportation and more, to excel as a host venue to large scale world class events.

“Bermuda hosting the America’s Cup is an extraordinary opportunity that puts us in a very strong position to win future bids for international events.

“When Bermuda won the bid to host this event we knew we had a big job ahead of us and as a community we have made it happen with our combined expertise and a willingness to put Bermuda in its best light. For that we extend our thanks to so many who have laboured so hard for so long to put Bermuda in the best position it can be in.”

He noted that 16 committees worked for more than two years to bring the event together, local construction crews had accomplished a large-scale land reclamation project in record time and a host of vendors had “stepped up their game” to provide for guests.

“Yes, this event has meant a lot of firsts for Bermuda and it has required business to be done in new and innovative ways, it has meant some changes from the norm and we have relied on many organisations and individuals being engaged and proactive in the process; these are the things that have led us to where we are this weekend, a moment for Bermuda to celebrate,” he continued.

“To everyone in the community who stepped forward to contribute to this enormous collective effort, we thank you and commend you for getting involved, for taking what may have seemed to some a risk, for offering your support and looking at the opportunity to work hard and prosper. It is this spirit and your hands-on involvement that has led to our success.

“This is just the start of five weeks of hosting a world-class sporting event and with the opening day behind us, the hard work continues. Now is Bermuda’s chance as more visitors arrive daily to the crescendo at the end of June, to show our warm hospitality and our true Bermudian charm and professionalism. We want each and every one that visits us or sees Bermuda live on television across the globe to be impressed and determined to return or visit and consider Bermuda as a professional centre for business.

“We can only echo the comments made by Grant Gibbons, the Minister responsible for the America’s Cup and Michael Dunkley, our premier, as they addressed both the attendees in the America’s Cup Village and the world at large in saying that despite so many who said Bermuda could not deliver an event of this magnitude, Bermuda and Bermudians have shown that despite our small geographic size, we can achieve greatness. When we work together, we stand tall.”