Bermuda will be the setting for Ben Ainslie Racing’s tilt at the America's Cup in 2017.

Lymington-based Ainslie, the most-decorated Olympic sailor in history, last year helped Oracle Team USA to complete their astonishing comeback but is now among those challenging them.

BAR, formed in January 2012, are one of six teams to have taken up the challenge of racing for the 35th edition of international sport's oldest trophy.

It has now been confirmed that San Diego has been overlooked in favour of Bermuda to host the 2017 edition - the first time a defender has sailed the race in foreign waters by choice.

"In Bermuda we have a perfect international venue to demonstrate the excitement America's Cup boats and teams can generate," Harvey Schiller, the commercial commissioner for the America's Cup, said.

"The sailing conditions are near perfect. The race course on The Great Sound is a natural amphitheatre with room for racing and spectators, amid a spectacular backdrop of islands and beaches.

"And the proposed America's Cup Village at the Royal Naval Dockyard will be the heart of the event for the teams and fans alike.

"The 2017 America's Cup will build on the successful elements that now define the event - close racing in fast, foiling catamarans crewed by the very best sailors in the world and delivered to an international audience by award-winning broadcasters."