Top law firm Appleby has been appointed as legal services provider to the America’s Cup, it was revealed last night.

America’s Cup Event Authority chief operating officer and chief counsel Sam Hollis said Appleby had already provided key support in Bermuda’s successful bid for the event.

He added: “We have been impressed by the firm’s strength and depth across the board and undoubted technical legal expertise.

“In its role as official law firm, Appleby will be an important partner for the America’s Cup Event Authority as we relocate and grow our business, staff and operations in Bermuda.”

Appleby, founded in Bermuda in 1897, will provide a full range of legal services for the prestige series of races in 2017.

Kiernan Bell, managing partner of the firm’s Bermuda office, said: “It’s an incredible honour for Appleby to be partnering with the America’s Cup Event Authority in delivering this seminal event to Bermuda.

“Over its 163-year history, the America’s Cup has been held in just eight locations and we think that Bermuda is a natural fit for the 35th America’s Cup in 2017.”

She added: “Bermuda’s history of competition, commerce and success is inextricably linked to our maritime heritage and we look forward to doing our part in making this a chapter in our history books never to be forgotten.”

Appleby has a total of 800 staff around the world and employs 200 in the Bermuda office alone.

The cup challenge will begin in 2015 and continue through 2016 at locations around the world, including Bermuda using AC45 foiling catamarans.

The 2017 finals will use new hi-tech AC62 catamarans with wingsails and designed to fly above the water on foils at speeds of almost 50mph.