The America’s Cup Auld Mug arrived on the grounds of Cabinet this afternoon amid much fanfare from invited dignitaries, politicians and race officials.

An impressive motorcade transported the treasured trophy from the airport to present to Premier Michael Dunkley ahead of this evening’s celebrations.

Addressing the crowd, Premier Dunkley summed up our winning the Island’s in four words: “Bermuda, we did it!”

He said: “It is truly a phenomenal achievement for our Island home – this time we pulled a Coup D’état. Over the next three years Bermuda, our tourism product, our hospitality and our heritage as a maritime sailing destination will receive unprecedented exposure throughout the world…

“Our pursuit of the America’s Cup is about so much more than hosting this prestigious event on our shores. In its broader context it’s another example of this government working hard to achieve economic growth and job creation for our people. Experience from former host venues indicates it will have a powerful impact on our economy over the next three years. It will attract worldwide attention, generate jobs, investment and revenue in multiple sectors of our community including hospitality, construction, transport, security, real estate, retail and wholesale and let’s not forget telecommunications.

“Hosting an event of this magnitude on our Island will require dedicated team work and the support of everyone throughout the community. It will require a continuation and expansion of the cooperative spirit and dedication by the team of private sector volunteers, civil servants and other professionals who have worked hard together to advance Bermuda’s winning bid.”

The America’s Cup commercial commander Sir Russell Coutts also addressed the crowd saying he anticipated the 2017 event to be “the best yet”.

Bermuda’s promising young sailor Michah Thomas Raynor was also on the stadium along with the America’s Cup commercial commissioner Gen Harvey Schiller, Golden Gate Yacht Club Commodore Norbert Bajurin, Minister of Education and Economic Development Dr Grant Gibbons and sailors from the title defender The Oracle.

Premier Dunkley will officially present the Auld Mug to the people of Bermuda at this evening’s celebrations on Front Street.