The official public host of the 35th America’s Cup, Tucker Thompson, is to give a presentation that marks the culmination of a two-year world tour promoting Bermuda.

The public talk this evening at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute by the veteran sailing commentator will provide updates and highlights on the upcoming event.

Mr Thompson told The Royal Gazette: “It has been two years since I have been here and now I understand the America’s Cup Built to Win exhibition is up and running at BUEI and it is extremely exciting.

“During the tour, I have given over 100 presentations around the world promoting Bermuda. Now I am in Bermuda I will be explaining to the residents why they should come out to the America’s Cup Village at Royal Naval Dockyard, what is in store for the competition starting May 26 and what all the viewing options are at the village and out on the water in the Great Sound.

“We are hoping to explore the 166-year history of the America’s Cup, give everybody an update on the racing to date in the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series and explain during the official AC qualifiers, challenger play-offs and the final match itself.”

Mr Thompson has hosted more than 1,500 sailing shows on T2PTV and live television and has covered the America’s Cup since 2007.

He is an award-winning television and video host and was a champion sailor during the 2000 America’s Cup in New Zealand. He said he believed that Bermuda would play host to one of the greatest America’s Cup events in the race’s history.

“There are six teams and any one of them can win this regatta, so it is probably one of the most competitive America’s Cups of all time, and it is certainly going to be one of the most exciting,” he said.

“The Great Sound is perhaps one of the world’s most perfect natural sailing amphitheatres for the America’s Cup. The boats are going to be foiling above the water at speeds of over 50 miles per hour — you will see the best sailors in the world on the fastest boats in the world.”

Asked whether he had any inside information on whether an Oracle Team USA win might see the Cup return to Bermuda, Mr Tucker responded: “Keep in mind that they did choose Bermuda this year and I think that Bermuda is going to be one of the best venues the world has ever seen and it is not because of all the attributes that you already know about.

“In my opinion the reason that Bermuda will be the best host that the cup has ever seen is the people — the people in Bermuda are more passionate and more excited than perhaps I have seen in any other venue and it is going to put Bermuda on the world map.”

The presentation takes place at BUEI at 7pm. Tickets are available at the BUEI gift shop or by phone on 294-0204.