The East End should provide a focal point for visiting sailors when the America’s Cup takes place in Bermuda in 2017.

MP Kenneth Bascome believes St George’s Harbour is the ideal location for yacht crews and sailing fans to base themselves during their stay.

He expects the racing spectacle to provide a major boost to retailers, restaurants and bars in the Olde Towne, despite the America’s Cup village being located in Dockyard.

“It seems that there are some in my community who feel that we will not share in the bonanza brought in by the America’s Cup,” Mr Bascome said.

“But I believe the opportunities are there, not just for St George’s but for the wider community.

The America’s Cup is expected to prompt a major construction boom across the island to provide the accommodation and infrastructure required to host the biggest event in the sailing calendar.

It has also been hailed as a game changer for the tourism industry with tens of thousands expected to travel to Bermuda to experience the competition.

Mr Bascome said: “I believe that the Harbour of St George’s could be a Mecca for persons that want to sail to Bermuda and witness the America’s Cup.

“The opportunities are there for people to come and use the harbour as a shelter for the evening, and then sail into the Great Sound during the day to watch the racing.

“These visitors would then come back to St George’s in the evening and in so doing would be supporting the towns’ businesses, restaurants and bars.”

The former Mayor has urged his community to seize the opportunities that the America’s Cup will present.

He said: “The East End plays a huge role in the history of our island and we need to make people who come here for the America’s Cup aware of that.

“The America’s Cup gives is an opportunity to take our rightful place and share in the economic bonanza on the horizon. St George’s has a great opportunity to showcase itself to the world.

“We also have the potential of a marina being constructed. I am hopeful that the Corporation and the developers can come to a contractual agreement and get this project on its way.”