News that Bermuda will host the 2017 America’s Cup sent Eldon Trimingham’s mind darting back 30 years to when he was part of the Courageous team that went to Perth to fight for the oldest trophy in sport.

Mr Trimingham, who suffers from cerebral palsy, was a key figure in the team’s build-up to the 1987 America’s Cup.

The respected Bermudian sailor provided maritime insight and advice to the Courageous crew when they came to the Island to train, and also joined them in Boston and then Perth.

To date he is thought to be one of the few Bermudians, as well as one of the only disabled sailors, to be part of an America’s Cup team.

But he hopes that the pending arrival of the America’s Cup will provide opportunities for young Bermudian sailors to be part of the biggest event in the sailing calender.

“I have nothing but fond memories of my America’s Cup experience,” said Mr Trimingham.

“It was incredible to be part of the Courageous team and an honour I will never forget. I hope that 2017 will provide opportunities to other young Bermudian sailors to be a part of this fantastic event.”

Mr Trimingham, a maritime artist based in Flatts, travelled with the Courageous team to Perth in 1987, but never had the opportunity to take part in the America’s Cup because the old yacht was knocked out before the final.

He went on to take part in two successive Gold Cups in the 1990s during a highly successful sailing career.

The 58-year-old believes Bermuda is the ideal venue for the 2017 event.

He said: “The location of the village and the central hub will be crucial.

“I always thought they would use the old Naval Operating Base at Morgan’s Point as the focal point, but it would need a heck of a lot of work.

“Dockyard has great potential; my only concern would be getting people in and out, but I am sure they have got that covered.

“It’s going to be very exciting. The speed of these vessels on the Great Sound is bound to be impressive.”