Opening Day of America’s Cup 2017 Postponed Until Saturday 27th May

By Rebecca Bradbury 26 May 2017

The 35^th edition of the America’s Cup was scheduled to get underway today but strong winds in Bermuda has meant day one of the event will be postponed until tomorrow (Saturday 27^th May).

Forecasts indicate winds may gust over 30 knots during the afternoon and evening, so with the safety of sailors and spectators as the key priority, the America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA) and the America’s Cup Race Management (ACRM) have decided to postpone the event by one day.

Saturday 27^th May and the days following are all forecast to have significantly improved weather conditions, so the four races planned to take place today (Friday 26^th May) will be added to the weekend’s race schedule.

Likewise, the official opening ceremony will now take place on Saturday. Starting at 8.30pm, it will follow a performance from musician Wyclef Jean on the main stage in the America’s Cup Village at 5.15pm.

Despite the bad weather, excitement is building for the eagerly anticipated 2017 edition of the America’s Cup. For one month, all eyes will turn to Bermuda’s Great Sound where the best sailors on the fastest boats will battle it out for the oldest trophy in international sport.

America's Cup trophy, also known as the Auld Mug, in Bermuda

Artemis Racing and ORACLE TEAM USA practicing in Bermuda for the America's Cup

SoftBank Team Japan practicing in Bermuda for the America's Cup 2017

The schedule change means qualifiers will now get underway on 27^th May, with the top challenger set to meet defending champions ORACLE TEAM USA in the final cup match on 17^th June.

Competing teams include Artemis Racing of Sweden, Emirates Team New Zealand, Groupama Team France, GB’s Land Rover BAR and SoftBank Team Japan.

Crowds of spectators will descend on the island-chain to take in the racing, with the best seats in the house reserved for those taking in the action aboard a superyacht. A fine fleet of charter yachts will be there too, presenting a unique charter experience for lucky guests on board.

Among the charter yachts expected to be in Bermuda are the iconic 88m/288ft sailing yacht ‘Maltese Falcon’ from Perini Navi, Picchiotti’s 73m/239ft motor yacht ‘Grace E’ and the 55m/180ft Vitters sailing yacht MARIE.