DHAKA: The America's Cup will go to Asia for the first time in its 165-year history.

It was announced that Fukuoka, Japan, will welcome the World Series on November 18, with organizers hoping the two-day event will lure a brand new audience to the sport.

The series will allow teams to pick up qualifying points ahead of next year's Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger races in Bermuda, from which the winner will take on defending champion Oracle Team USA in the battle for the America's Cup.

‘This is an incredible opportunity to showcase this compelling sport to new audiences, not only in Japan but across all of Asia,’ said Russell Coutts, CEO of the 35th America's Cup and a five-time winner of sailing's premier competition.

‘With the challenge from SoftBank Team Japan marking the return of Japan to the America's Cup, enthusiasm is building for the sport in Asia,’ the New Zealander added.

‘The new, foiling, flying AC45 catamarans produce exciting, exhilarating racing and show our sport at its best. This is what we are bringing to Fukuoka.’

BDST: 1727 HRS, June 3, 2016
SAS/AKA