Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill wants to “keep the America’s Cup in Bermuda” in the years to come because he believes this event will be the best in its history.

He spoke to The Royal Gazette after a town hall meeting last night, where a host of announcements were made about the contest, including plans for Front Street during the America’s Cup World Series from October 16 to 18.

Mr Spithill, a two-time America’s Cup winning captain, said: “Bermuda will get the first right of negotiation if we [Team Oracle USA] are to win. The fact is, we feel responsible for bringing it here — we are the home team.

“From my past experience, having the home team support, having the people get behind us and cheer us on, I have literally seen my guys lift and react to that and I know it will give us a competitive advantage in Bermuda.

“This could be the best America’s Cup to date when you look at the facility of the village and the fact that the racecourse is in a natural amphitheatre … it’s going to be awesome.”

Asked how soon the next America’s Cup could take place, he said: “That is usually determined on infrastructure and timing but typically they have been every three to four years.

“But who knows, maybe there could be a quicker cycle I know it has been discussed in the past, using that momentum straight away.

“Already the competitors have agreed to work towards doing a World Series as soon as the America’s Cup is over.”

The meeting was held at the Heritage Worship Centre in Hamilton and was packed with members of the America’s Cup Event Authority, the ACBDA, media organisations, and members of the public.

Also on the panel was ACEA chief executive Sir Russell Coutts, Economic Development Minister Dr Grant Gibbons, and ACBDA chairman Peter Durhager.

Premier Michael Dunkley introduced the meeting as an opportunity for organisers to outline plans and opportunities, while inviting the public to ask questions.

Plans were unveiled for the base surrounding the America’s Cup World Series stretching along Front Street.

It includes a family zone at Albuoy’s Point, a fan zone, festival zone and food court, a hospitality area and, closer to the container docks, a technical zone where the boats will be assembled.

Sir Russell said there would be opportunities for local businesses to benefit.

“Front Street will be closed off during the races and local businesses will have the opportunity to come and participate in the festival zone,” he said.” We want to create a situation where we give the event a real local flavour.”

An online application process is due to begin in May and a committee is being established to make final selections by early June.

Mike Winfield, ACBDA chief executive, said that some 46 firms had been involved to date, 38 of which were Bermudian.

He said: “Some 189 workers have already been working and earning money delivering the Oracle base. To date already $4.7 million has come into this community that, before the America’s Cup, wasn’t coming into Bermuda.”

Sir Russell outlined a part of a planned outreach programme initially aimed at children aged eight to 12. It includes a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) learning programme that teaches skills “through the lens of sailing”. He said the team would soon be hiring a community outreach sailing director.

While details about St George’s involvement in the America’s Cup were scant, Dr Gibbons did say that the old town could benefit from the tall ships race due to come to the Island around the same time. A fleet of about 30 ships is expected to participate.

Sir Russell Coutts said he could safely say that there will be at least five teams taking place in the America’s Cup event including Team Oracle and Artemis.