A raft of innovative proposals outlining how St George’s can contribute to the America’s Cup has been presented to the ACBDA.

A St George’s working group met with ACBDA CEO, Mike Winfield, last month to discuss how the East End can play a part in the sailing spectacle in 2017.

The group put forward plans that could see an America’s Cup music concert as well as a carnival held in the East End during the festivities.

They also hope to set up a viewing area in the town where the races are broadcast and arrange for the America’s Cup catamarans to be brought to St George’s for people to see.

“The purpose for the group is to look at how St George’s can capitalise on the America’s Cup,” said Deputy Mayor Quinell Francis.

“We want to be able to draw the crowds that will inevitably come to the Island for this event to the town.

“A total of 13 different ideas were identified which included having a viewing area in St George’s so people can watch the race.

“We would also look to do something like the National Trust Walkabout to highlight the culture and history of the town.

“We would also like to host some sail boat racing in the harbour as well as get the actual America’s Cup boats into St George’s for people to see.

“We want to make sure that whatever we do we involve the businesses so they feel a part of it as well.”

Ms Francis told The Royal Gazette that she was extremely pleased with how the meeting went and how the working group’s ideas were received.

“We are looking to see if we can get St George’s to adopt a team, so that residents can really get behind the event,” she said.

“We would also like to hold a carnival and host one of the America’s Cup music concerts.

“I felt that Mr Winfield welcomed our ideas and appreciated our proactive stance.

“Now it’s a matter of speaking to the various Government departments and seeing what is going to be done. We will need upgrades in our infrastructure as well as ferry and transport system in time for the event in 2017 and there is the possibility of a floating hotel in the shape of a cruise ship in St George’s too.

“There’s no way that St George’s will not get a piece of the action.”