Bermuda will play some part in the America’s Cup, even if the Island is not chosen as the venue for the final.

The Island will host an America’s Cup World Series Event at the very least, Grant Gibbons, who leads the bid team, said last night in a Government statement, following a series of meetings in New York with race organisers.

Changes to the Island’s infrastructure were also discussed, with Hamilton Waterfront, Morgan’s Point, and Dockyard identified as areas for potential development.

“I was very pleased with the meetings and the strong working relationship established with the America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA) and I’m looking forward to further discussions over the next few weeks as more details are resolved,” Dr Gibbons, the Minister of Education and Economic Development, said.

“It has now been confirmed that the Island is set to host an America’s Cup World Series racing event regardless of the outcome of the final venue selection.

“The meeting reviewed a number of organisational and logistical issues that Bermuda will need to address in order to be able to accommodate not only the racing teams, but also technical support, sponsors, media and the large influx of visitors wishing to view the event on Island over the 2015 to 2017 period.

“Infrastructure requirements and site preparation for the Hamilton Waterfront, Morgan’s Point and Dockyard were also considered during the meeting.”

Hailing the historic potential the opportunity to host the America’s Cup presents, Dr Gibbons emphasised his confidence in the Island’s ability to put a competitive bid together.

“I feel quite confident that Bermuda will be seen as the optimum location for the AC35 finals in 2017,” he said.

Further meetings are scheduled with the ACEA over the next few weeks, with the final decision expected to be made later this year.

“The America’s Cup has the potential to be an historic moment for us,” Dr Gibbons said. “The opportunities in terms of stimulating our economy, for creating jobs, are tremendous and if we are to be successful we will need the full support of everyone on the Island, both during this final selection period and through 2017.”