Today on Christmas Eve, many of us look forward to gathering with family and beginning to celebrate the holiday.

We asked the skippers of the six America’s Cup teams what they want for Christmas.

We are not sure if they believe in Santa Claus but they all know what they want, so we will see if they have all been good this year!

Nathan Outteridge, Artemis Racing: “I’m hoping Father Christmas brings me a very fast AC50.”

Franck Cammas, Groupama Team France: “For Christmas this year, I want to have a holiday with my family because it’s a long time without them. So it’s my wish.”

Sir Ben Ainslie, Land Rover BAR: “I’m hoping Father Christmas will bring us a lot of luck to Bermuda. It’s going to be our first Christmas away from home.

“We have a baby daughter so hopefully she has a good time.”

Glenn Ashby, Emirates Team New Zealand: “I’ve always been really looking forward to getting a new sailboat for next year after Bermuda, planning a bit of a wind-surfing mission so getting rid of the old 2010 gear and hopefully Santa can bring me a nice new Tabou Pocket Rocket underneath the Christmas tree.”

Dean Barker, SoftBank Team Japan: “Well, hopefully a fast AC50 but we still have a lot of work to do there.”

Jimmy Spithill, Oracle Team USA: “Probably too early to ask for the Cup, right?”

Each of the skippers also wishes everyone in Bermuda and around the world a very Merry Christmas.

So with the tree decorated as you spend time with family and friends this holiday we have a lot to celebrate this season.

We’re on the eve of an event bigger than Bermuda has ever imagined, and we can celebrate that we’ve come together for the common good of our island home, hundreds of people working and volunteering towards a successful outcome that sets up Bermuda for a long bright future.

Merry Christmas Bermuda from everyone involved with your 2017 America’s Cup.