America’s Cup: Four venues shortlisted for 2017 event

San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago and Bermuda are all vying to stage the 35th America’s Cup finals in 2017, according to the BBC News. San Francisco was also the setting for last year’s race, won in dramatic fashion by Oracle Team USA. A final decision is due by the end of the year.

Not making the shortlist were Newport, RI and Hawaii, both of which were considered for the finals venue.

Russell Coutts, chief executive of Oracle Team USA, says all four finalists are “very motivated” to host one of sailing’s biggest events.

But he says there are a number of factors under consideration, including the public interest in sailing at each venue and the potential for sponsorship and other commercial activities.

The time zone is also a consideration. The West Coast of the United States is around eight hours behind most of Europe, where many of the teams, sponsors and fans are based. Being further east, Chicago and particularly Bermuda have an advantage and may be able to offer more attractive racing times for European TV viewers.

NOTE: A report by the Bermuda Sun stated there are only three finalists: San Francisco, San Diego, and Bermuda. However, this information is incorrect. Russell Coutts confirmed there are four venues that are finalists: San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago and Bermuda.