First contested in 1851, the America’s Cup is yachting’s most coveted prize. In the more than 160 years since the first race, only four countries – the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland – have experienced the euphoria of winning the "Auld Mug" and only eight cities have hosted the competition. For the races in 2017, the 2013 winner, Team Oracle, chose Bermuda as the home and first-time host of the America’s Cup.

Throughout its history, the America’s Cup has been driven by technology. The America’s Cup in 2013 marked a transformation for the oldest trophy in international sport with new wing sail foiling catamarans, cutting-edge technology and a close-to-shore venue.

For the 35th edition in 2017, the various teams are designing and building their own America’s Cup Class boats. While these 50 feet-long catamarans are built to a design rule, there is an allowance for designers and engineers to express some creativity.

At the races, the sailors provide quite the show of strength, meticulousness and speed as they perform well-choreographed movements that show impressive precision. The yachts are among the most technically-advanced in the world and their daggerboards have almost doubled speeds since their recent introduction.

The America’s Cup is an elite sailing contest that is imbued in science and technology. With its high demand on the tools and equipment, it is providing a premier testing ground for technology and Bermuda is the right host for that. It is an Island known for innovation, for its deeply-rooted sailing tradition, and for the ease with which it greets new challenges.  

The America’s Cup has found a uniquely hospitable home in the Island and next year’s event promises to be an exciting race in a phenomenal location.