Organisers of the next America’s Cup regatta will announce their decision on its venue on December 2, challengers Team New Zealand said yesterday, shooting down media reports the holders had decided on Bermuda for the 2017 event.
Local media had earlier reported Bermuda had been given the nod ahead of San Diego as the venue for the 35th regatta.
“We have been invited to a press conference to be held in New York on Dec. 2 when the announcement will be made,” Team New Zealand syndicate head Grant Dalton said in a statement.
“Until then it is only media speculation. San Diego and Bermuda are the only potential venues left in the race so the media has a 50/50 chance of being right.
“The team awaits the official announcement and will then assess the situation and closely examine the funding model.”
New Zealand, who were beaten by software billionaire Larry Ellison’s holders Oracle Team USA in the last America’s Cup, are joined by syndicates from Britain, Sweden, France and Italy as challengers for sport’s oldest trophy.