One Step Closer to Bringing Back America's Cup

Fresh off a week of talks about the potential to bring the America's Cup race back to Newport, BMW Oracle Racing is expected to present an official letter of interest to the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation on Monday.

Tom Ehman, a member of the Golden Gate Yacht Club Board and the America's Cup Committee, and head of External Affairs for BMW Oracle, is scheduled to attend the meeting, according to Meaghan Wims, media advisor for RIEDC. The letter from BMW Oracle is intended to "demonstrate their seriousness in working with Rhode Island."

Ehman met with RIEDC Executive Director Keith Stokes and Governor-Elect Lincoln Chafee last Thursday. Stokes also accompanied BMW Oracle and Golden Gate Yacht Club representatives last week on a tour of Fort Adams State Park, a possible site for the race. Discussions will continue this week.

According to Chafee spokesman Michael Trainor, the next governor is enthusiastic about the potential to bring America's Cup back.

"He sees Newport as the natural home for the America's Cup," Trainor told Patch after the meeting last week.

Newport's currently vying to win the race back from San Francisco, which up until recently was expected to be the site of the 34th annual race, to be held in 2013. The Golden Gate Yacht Club has until Dec. 31 to announce its pick.

RIEDC's December board meeting will be held on Monday at 4 p.m. at Banneker Industries in North Smithfield.