New London looks to host America's Cup

New London, Conn. (WTNH) - New London is hoping to be the host city for The America's Cup, a spectacular Maritime event where people line up to watch The America's Cup sail through New London waters on fancy yachts.

Memories of Opsail 2000 are very fond for folks in New London. When the four day event sailed into the city 10 years ago, it brought a million visitors and high praise. "All the captains said that this was the best city the most welcoming city of any ports they came to, " said John Johnson organizer of Opsail 2000.

Newport has already put in a bid and New London leaders are hoping to host elimination races which would bring as many as a dozen sailing teams to the city for the two years prior to the premier sailing event.

"We are not trying to compete with Newport we're trying to supplement Newport because we don't think Newport has enough space," added Johnson.

State Pier in New London has 2,000 feet of space along with lots of acreage. New London Harbor is a deep water port which is needed for the sizeable sailboats. Each team needs about two acres to set up shop. That space is basically for taking care of the boat and for housing. Johnson envisions turning the State Pier property as sort of an 'America's Cup Village.'

"We have the land we have the transportation center," said Michael Passero of the New London City Council.

What city leaders want now, is the opportunity Newport was given back in 1983 when it first hosted the America's Cup. "Newport lived off the tourist value of the America's Cup for years," added Passero

Johnson says that Opsail is a $200 million event which could also put this waterfront city on the world class circuit.