Two America's Cup World Series events confirmed

But no venues confirmed at this stage

In the build-up to the 35th America's Cup, there will once again America's Cup World Series events but on this occasion these are being organised by each challenger, rather than centrally by the America's Cup Event Authority (ACEA) as occurred prior to the 34th.

In a Regatta Memorandum issued to the teams today, AC Commercial Commissioner Dr Harvey Schiller confirmed two America’s Cup World Series events have already met the hosting criteria and had been scheduled by ACEA to take place in 2015 .

“This is the first time in America’s Cup history that each of the teams has been given an opportunity to host America’s Cup World Series events," he said. "All six teams are interested in hosting at least one event in either 2015 or 2016 and we’re working with each team to convert that interest into a concrete event plan."

The two confirmed host venues will announce their events in the coming weeks. These are expected to be a Luna Rossa-hosted event in Cagliari in June 2015 followed by one in Portsmouth in July hosted by Ben Ainslie Racing and then an Artemis Racing Swedish event later in the year. Further events will be added to the America’s Cup World Series calendar as hosting agreements are concluded and subject to the unanimous consent of the teams.

“We’ve also started working with the teams on filling out the 2016 America’s Cup World Series calendar,” continued Schiller.

All racing in the America's Cup World Series will take place in foiling AC45 catamarans. A feasibility study has confirmed the necessary modifications can be made to all the boats prior to the first event in June 2015.

Schiller adds that he expects at least one additional team to be joining the five challengers so far announced as a late entry.

2017 America’s Cup Venue Decision

In December, the final host venue announcement will be made with Bermuda and San Diego the remaining candidates to host the 2017 America’s Cup.

“We’re moving forward on the host venue agreement,” Schiller said. “Bermuda and San Diego have now submitted their final bids and in each case we have a potential partner who has presented a compelling event plan. The benefits of that will accrue to each of the teams leading to a successful 35th America's Cup.

“It’s been a running start for me,” concluded Schiller, who has been in his role since late summer. “We have a lot of work to do between now and the end of the year. But all our teams have worked together, and we look forward to sharing additional positive news in the coming weeks.”