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Isle Of Wight Could Host Next America's Cup, Taking It Back To Its Roots

The next America's Cup could be coming to the Isle of Wight, in the style of a special one-off 'Deed of Gift match'.

Reports in the Telegraph suggest it would take the 37th Cup back to its 1851 roots if plans are officially given the go-ahead.

It could see the likes of Sir Ben Ainslie's British team taking on New Zealand around the Isle of Wight.

The Kiwis 36th America's Cup victory earlier this week was the syndicate’s fourth Cup triumph, following wins in 1995, 2000 and 2017.

On Wednesday (17) Team New Zealand successfully retained the Auld Mug, with a dominant win in race 10 of their best-of-13 series against Italians Luna Rossa in Auckland.

The Kiwis' 7-3 victory was the syndicate’s fourth Cup triumph, following wins in 1995, 2000 and 2017.

It's understood discussions have taken place about the future of the event - between the commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron - James Sheldon and his counterpart of the RNZYC in Auckland.

Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron general manager Hayden Porter told the Telegraph:

"We have received a challenge for the 37th America's Cup

“There are a lot of details to come; discussions will evolve over the next few days, weeks and months and things will happen from there ... it was all done out on the water – all details will be revealed in the next wee while.”

The Island's MP Bob Seely said:

“I am aware of the rumours that the America’s Cup maybe coming to Cowes in the second half of next year. I hope it is. It is only a rumour and the situation may change. New Zealand have the right to host. Let’s wait and see. I know that our sailing ‘ambassadors’ in New Zealand have been representing the Island extremely well.

“However, clearly I would be extremely supportive of the America’s Cup coming here. I have made the Sports Minster aware of the rumour and Council Leader Dave Stewart and I have also discussed it already.  

“If there is an intention to bring the America’s Cup to the Solent and the Island, we should collectively welcome it and work to make it a great success and a showcase for the Island.”

Find out more about America's Cup here

Read the full report in the Telegraph here.

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