Sports Minister Richard Caborn Is Set To Back Solent Bid For America's Cup

9.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 28th Apr 2003

Sports Minister Richard Caborn has said today that he is ready to back a Solent bid to host the America's cup.

The promise from Mr Caborn came in a letter to Chris Huhne, the Liberal Democrat MEP for Hampshire, who asked for his support for a bid.

Mr Caborn writes that hosting such an event would be 'very advantageous for Cowes and its community'. He points out that it is up to the sports governing body to make a bid to host the event, but adds:

'I would be delighted to lend my support should a proposal be submitted'.

The ministerial backing delighted Mr Huhne, who argues that there would be great economic advantages for the Isle of Wight and Southampton if the Solent is chosen as the venue for the winning Swiss crew to defend the America's cup.

'The Solent is the natural european home for the America's cup race, and it would bring millions of pounds and hundreds of jobs into the local economy' said Mr Huhne.

'Now that there is ministerial backing, I hope that the local authorities and the sports governing body will mount a vigorous campaign to persuade the Swiss to come here' said Mr Huhne.

Cllr Shirley Smart, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council said "I am delighted to see such a positive response from Mr Caborn"