Civic pride in prestigious America's Cup occasion

Soren Link, who is from Duisburg in Germany, said he was bowled over by the way Portsmouth has shown its pride for the cup – and believes the region is going places.

He said: ‘It’s so impressive. This is a great location to hold the World Series and I am pleased to be here and to be a part of it. To watch all of these boats in this landscape, with its amazing sea, is amazing. The Red Arrows were absolutely fantastic.

‘It’s a great time for me, and it’s a great time for Portsmouth.

‘The city has developed very well over the past few years. I can see it every time I am here.

‘There is always something new and the city gets better than it was before.’

Portsmouth South MP Flick Drummond said the spectacle has been a superb way of showcasing local businesses.

She said: ‘This is a really great moment for the city, and particularly for local businesses in maritime engineering.

‘That’s something, Donna Jones, Penny Mordaunt and I are working on; promoting the city.

‘We want to have the America’s Cup finals in Portsmouth and only if Ben wins can we get that, so we need everyone to get behind him and the team.’

David Evans, Portsmouth City Council’s leisure and sports facilities manager, said: ‘To have the America’s Cup World Series in Portsmouth is just phenomenal. It’s awesome we can do this. We’re gearing up for a great weekend.’