San Diego is among front runners to host 35th America’s Cup

(April 11, 2014) – San Diego has made the short list of venues being considered to host the 35th America’s Cup in 2017, port commission chairman Bob Nelson said Friday.

“It’s an honor for the San Diego region to be shortlisted for the 35th Defense of the America’s Cup and the chance to showcase San Diego Bay on a worldwide scale,” Nelson said in a statement released to The Associated Press. “San Diego Bay is a dynamic, top-ranked venue that has much to offer a competition of this scale.”

If San Diego is chosen, racing would be in 62-foot catamarans on the bay. San Diego hosted the America’s Cup in 1988, 1992 and 1995, with racing on the Pacific Ocean.

An America’s Cup World Series regatta in 45-foot catamarans was held on San Diego Bay in November 2011.

“A decision to host the America’s Cup requires regional commitment and cooperation. The Port of San Diego is working with its partners to carefully analyze this opportunity to host the ‘Super Bowl of sailing,'” Nelson said in his statement.

America’s Cup officials have cut the list of potential venues in half, but it wasn’t clear Friday how many cities besides San Diego remain in contention to host sailing’s marquee regatta. The venue is expected to be decided by late summer. – Associated Press, read on

More: It is believed there are four venues on the short list. Both San Diego, CA and Newport, RI are confirmed, and it is suspected that Chicago, IL and a location in Hawaii are also finalists. While San Francisco, CA does not appear to be on the short list, it is rumored they are revising their proposal for consideration. It is confirmed that Long Beach, CA is not on the short list for hosting the America’s Cup, but the city is under consideration for an America’s Cup World Series event.