As we countdown to the 35th America’s Cup The Royal Gazette will bring you one fun fact a day about the boats, the sailors, the crew, or the history of this illustrious competition. There are now 35 days until the month-long sporting spectacle gets under way.

March 11, 2014 marks an historic day in the Bermuda calendar. That was when Harvey Schiller, the America’s Cup commercial commissioner, announced that Bermuda had won the right to host the 35th America’s Cup in 2017.

Bermuda beat out bids from 12 other destinations, some of whom had hosted races before. The island, according to Schiller, “stood out as the best location offering everything we needed to make it an exceptional event”.

Premier Michael Dunkley called the announcement a “remarkable moment for Bermuda and our people”.

At the time Premier Dunkley acknowledged that hosting the event would be a massive undertaking, but said he was confident that the island could rise to the occasion.

“We invite anybody who hasn’t been to Bermuda before to come down and watch America’s Cup sailing because you are going to be blown away by the experience. The sailing in Bermuda is just a match made in heaven.

“Being the home of the America’s Cup is an extraordinary opportunity that aligns perfectly with the heritage, profile, spirit and future of our Island.

“We thank the America’s Cup Event Authority for their confidence in us, and for their vision to evolve the experience for spectators and participants alike. There is no better vivid and hospitable setting than Bermuda to stage an event of this nature and for the continued evolution of the sport.”