Somerset residents and business people yesterday celebrated the announcement that Bermuda will host the 2017 America’s Cup.

With Dockyard set to be used as the base of operations for the international event, many in the West End expressed hope that the community will reap the economic benefits.

Eleanor Fowle of Somerset Pharmacy said she had watched the announcement online and was thrilled to see Bermuda named as the host.

“We were over the moon,” she said. “It was fabulous. It’s going to be a great, great boost for Bermuda and the West End. Everyone is going to benefit from the trickle-down and we are excited about that. It’s going to be a huge, huge thing for all of us.”

Barritt Showers, of Bud’s Wines and Spirits, said: “I’m glad to hear it’s coming here. I hope it works out for the best. I’ll be needing a bigger shop.”

Horse and Carriage operator Troy Williams said: “It’s great we got it. I hope it’s going to bring investment, more tourists and everything else.

Ben Fairn of Irie FM said the announcement was fantastic news for the Island, and that the event would put Bermuda in the international spotlight.

“I think it’s a lot bigger than people realise,” he said.

“A lot of people I have been speaking to have asked me what the America’s Cup is. I tell them to go on YouTube, look at the videos from last year. This is huge.

“I think it’s something that could lead to a new tourism boom. We have never had this kind of international spotlight, at least not in many years.

“People around the world are going to see Bermuda, see how beautiful it is here.”

David Jones, who lives on Cook’s Hill on Sandys, said he was looking forward to being able to watch the event from the comfort of his home.

“I think it’s great,” Mr Jones said. “I live overlooking the Sound, so I’m looking forward to that. I’m very, very happy,”

Ronald Davids however said: “It doesn’t faze me in any way, as I’m not into sailing and all that, but it will be good for the island financially.”

Fisherman Robert Powell said that while he would like to see the event itself, he questioned if the event would have a lasting economic impact.

“We need something. Let me tell you what, the base over at Morgan’s Point, I don’t think we need a hotel or a golf course. “I’d like to see a water park, like the aquarium, a water park for children, this would help create jobs,” he said. “We don’t need another hotel, they don’t get filled up. We need something that creates jobs all year around.”

Richardo Davis, of Sandys, is hoping the America’s Cup will give people the chance to celebrate as if it were Non-Mariners.

“It’s going to be a good two years of excitement,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a hit, because everyone wants to see something different. It will give people a chance to get out on the water.”

Vance Goater said that he hopes the America’s Cup will benefit individuals as well as the island as a whole.

“I think it’s a great thing, it will bring money and revenue to the island, and people need jobs,” Mr Goater said. “Although it’s to do with the ocean and the water, even the small man will benefit — people with shops and homes for rent.”