Marion sailors are among the advocates vying for New Bedford to host the Olympic sailing events as part of the Boston 2024 bid.

Dan Cooney, vice commodore of the Beverly Yacht Club, and Ray Cullum, both of Marion, are part of the 17-person Olympic Sailing Venue Steering Committee announced by New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell on March 24.

Cooney believes New Bedford is  the best option for the international sailing community. As the commercial director for the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team during the 2012 London games, Cooney has seen what it takes to run a smooth sailing event.

“I’ve been trying to offer to the steering committee ideas on things that worked well and things that could potentially be repeated in some way in New Bedford,” he said.

Buzzards Bay has a lot going for it, including a natural race track, consistent breezes and warm water, said Cooney.

At least 270 boats would be hosted in the area with approximately 380 athletes and their entourage of coaches, physiotherapists and other support staff.

Some of the top international teams would likely set up camp as early as four years before the games. Additionally preliminary races, World Cup competitions and test runs may take place in the years leading up to the Olympics.

Cooney said the South Coast would definitely see a financial benefit.

“It’s not an insignificant boost to the local economy,” he said. “Potentially, it can be transformational to the brand of New Bedford.”

One of the biggest benefits would be a new sailing facility for New Bedford that could provide opportunities for sailing nonprofits and education for youth.

“To be able to give them this incredible new tool and facility, that would be one of the most important aspects of winning the sailing event,” Cooney said.

U.S. Sailing’s Executive Director Jack Gierhart, who is also a Marion resident, echoed Cooney’s sentiments and said hosting the Olympic event in New Bedford would “create a legacy of public access” for the town.

Gierhart’s office is not part of the steering committee, but is consulting with the group as well as advising Boston 2024. If New Bedford is chosen, he said the volunteer base in the area would be superb.

“The New England area and Southeast Massachusetts has some of the most skilled race officials and sailing organizers in the country,” Gierhart said.

It may still be a while before the sailing location is chosen, but Cooney said he is unaware of other areas bidding to host the event besides Boston itself.

He’s confident that Boston 2024 couldn’t pick a better location than the South Coast.

A hopeful Cooney said, “New Bedford used to go to the world, now here’s the world coming to New Bedford.”