Exciting News: The 37th America’s Cup Race is Coming to Barcelona!

We’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of one of the world’s most prestigious and thrilling global sports events to the Barcelona area. The grand finale of the 37th America’s Cup is scheduled for Barcelona, taking place between August and October 2024. Additionally, the first Preliminary Regatta of the 37th America’s Cup is set to be held in Vilanova i la Geltrú, just a short drive from Sitges, from September 14th to 17th, 2023.

What is the America’s Cup

The America’s Cup stands as the oldest continuously competed for international sports trophy, originating in 1851 when a yacht from the New York Yacht Club emerged victorious against a British yacht in a race around the Isle of Wight. The cup’s name pays homage to the winning vessel, the schooner America. Remarkably, the New York Yacht Club held the cup for 132 years until Australia secured victory in 1983.

Subsequently, the cup has been up for contention every three to four years, with victories going to teams from Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland. The reigning champion of the cup is Emirates Team New Zealand, triumphant in the 36th America’s Cup in 2021.

The America’s Cup follows a match race format, a direct competition between two boats. These boats are sizable and robust monohulls capable of reaching speeds exceeding 50 knots. However, these vessels are also highly expensive, with some costing well over 100 million Euros.

This event is marked by its technical complexity, with constant development and innovation in boat design. The latest iteration, the AC75s, are foiling monohulls capable of lifting out of the water, enabling even higher speeds.

The teams contending for the final race in the 37th America’s Cup against Emirates Team New Zealand include:

– Alinghi Red Bull Racing (Switzerland)
– Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (Italy)
– NYYC American Magic (United States)
– INEOS Britannia (United Kingdom)
– Orient Express Racing Team (France)

The America’s Cup is poised to attract over a million spectators to the Barcelona area, generating an economic activity exceeding €1 billion.

Where & When To See The Racing

The America’s Cup race village will be situated along the Moll de la Fusta, a waterfront promenade in Port Vell, Barcelona. The village will provide free access for spectators to observe boat preparations, meet the sailors, and gain insight into the competition.

The initial Preliminary Regatta of the 37th America’s Cup will be hosted by the Club Nàutic Vilanova and held in Vilanova i la Geltrú from September 14th to 17th, 2023. This serves as a qualifying event, with the top three teams advancing to the Challenger Selection Series. The event welcomes visitors for free, offering ample space along the waterfront to witness the races and partake in the spectacle. Operating hours for the Race Village will be from 11 am to 8 pm daily, featuring food and beverage options, live race screens from 3 pm to 5:30 pm, along with event and team activations on-site.

Anticipating high demand for accommodations in the Barcelona and Sitges area during the Preliminary Regatta in September and the final race series held in Barcelona from August to October 2024, early reservations for these dates are strongly recommended.

Find out more 

The America’s Cup symbolizes an esteemed event that draws the world’s finest sailors and engineers. It serves as a testament to speed, skill, and technology, positioning itself as one of the most exhilarating sporting spectacles globally. For additional information, including news updates and schedules, visit the official event website at https://www.americascup.com/.