Russell Coutts, the CEO of Oracle Team USA, says officials are talking with venues beyond California about hosting the 35th America’s Cup in 2017 after San Francisco officials failed to offer the same terms for the event as they did in 2013.
“They might have a change of heart” Coutts told The Associated Press. “I don’t think they will, but they might.”
One venue gaining potential — at least on the gossip circuit — is Hawaii, where Oracle Team USA owner Larry Ellison has a personal relationship with Governor Neil Abercrombie as well as several resort investments. If Hawaii does become the location, racing most likely would be held off Maui or Oahu, experts say.
There is no word on why talks are strained between Oracle and San Francisco officials, but critics of last year’s Cup have said the event failed to bring the promised economic impact to the San Francisco Bay area, and it cost taxpayers more than $5 million.
