Where would Bermuda host the America’s Cup?

It is a country, at the latitude of South Carolina, a 2+ hour flight from Philadelphia, about 700 miles off the coast of the United States. It is Bermuda, one of two locations being considered to host the 35th America’s Cup.

While a summer event is not ideal, experiencing heat, humidity, and an occasional tropical storm, the island nation has favorable tax laws, plus a commodity critical to hosting the spectacle… land. Don Burgess of the Bermuda Sun explains…

A purpose-built pier for the America’s Cup teams is one of the “defining components” of Bermuda’s bid to host the event in 2017. Bermuda and San Diego are the two finalists to host the America’s Cup. The winner is required to provide space for five team bases for the event. One for the Defender, four additional spots for challengers.

Bill Hanbury, Bermuda Tourism Authority CEO, told the Bermuda Sun: “Some people may have thought that Morgan’s Point was a weight around their neck, but the reality is, it is a perfect venue for America’s Cup.” Morgan’s Point has basically been unused since the United States withdrew its navy base facilities there in 1995.

Morgan’s Point extends into the Great Sound, a body of water shaped by the islands of Bermuda, and the proposed location for the race course.

The venue decision is to be announced by December 31, 2014, though is expected to come by early fall.