Boston 2024 announced on Thursday that it will make New Bedford the sailing venue in its bid for the summer Olympics.

“We know Buzzards Bay is a special place, and now the rest of the world is going to see that, too,” said Dan Cooney.

A Marion resident, Cooney has been part of the Olympic Sailing Venue Steering Committee that worked to convince Boston 2024 of Buzzards Bay’s virtues.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and the committee found out about the decision a few days before the press conference held at Fort Taber. During the announcement, Boston 2024 CEO Richard Davey called the area a “slam dunk,” according to Cooney.

“I think the group knew that things were going in a positive direction. We were getting positive signs all the way along,” Cooney said. “Boston 2024 has been great to work with.”

Davey said New Bedford was the best choice for competitors.

“I think they’ve got their priorities straight if that’s their criteria,” Cooney said.

The winds and warm water are perfect for competitors, he said. Plus, events will be close enough to give sailing enthusiasts a great view from shore.

“They won’t need a telescope to see the action,” said Cooney.

Next up, the steering committee will work to hone its plans, and Cooney expects a visit from the Internationals Sailing Federation.

Cooney is confident that New Bedford and Buzzards Bay will soon be ready to welcome an international audience. He also hopes some local sailors might be competing.

On Thursday he said, “As we think about 2024, I think about young men and women graduating from local high schools this spring. There’s no reason why graduates of the class of 2015 from Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Old Rochester, Tabor or Stang can’t be competing in their own backyard for an Olympic Medal in 2024.”