The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series baton was officially handed over to Bermuda in Gothenburg yesterday.

Bermuda will host the next event in the series, the first stage of competition of the 35th America’s Cup, from October 16 to 18.

Representing the Island at yesterday’s ceremony at the race village was Grant Gibbons, the Minister of Economic Development, whose bright yellow traditional Bermuda shorts proved popular among the crowd.

“As you can see I brought my Bermuda shorts and brought the Dark ‘n’ Stormy ... we left the Bermuda Triangle at home, however,” said the minister, who led Bermuda’s successful bid to host the contest in 2017.

Dr Gibbons praised the organisers of the World Series event in Gothenburg, and said they shared a common bond with Bermudians.

“I think it’s been a fantastic few days here and I would like to thank the mayor and the people of Gothenburg for such gracious hospitality,” he said.

“It’s been a terrific two or three days here. I wasn’t sure how the Government arranged such wonderful weather, but it’s been very good. I hope we can learn from that in Bermuda.

“Gothenburg and Bermuda are very similar, I think, in some respects. We both have sailing in our DNA and we are an island nation and have been sailing for a very, very long time, so it’s something that we are very proud of as well.

“It’s great to be here and we certainly look forward to welcoming all of you to Bermuda in October and hopefully for 2017 for the finals as well.”