The world’s biggest sailing competition is back! One of the most spectacular sporting events of the year is all set to take place from 22 August to 20 October 2024 in Barcelona. And to mark the 37th edition of the America’s Cup, the organisers are pulling out all the stops to ensure this year’s instalment is the best in the history of this longstanding competition. Discover all the secrets of the 2024 America’s Cup in Barcelona right here!
History and interesting facts about the America’s Cup
As one of the oldest sports competitions in the world, the event dates back to 1851. To mark the Great Exhibition in London, an international fair to show off to the world all the progress made in industry, the organisers decided to hold a regatta to promote the event. The award for first prize had to be spectacular enough to attract the most attention, so an amazing ornate claret jug was chosen, designed in 1848 by the official jeweller to the Royal Family, Robert Garrard. It was valued at a hundred gold guineas, which is why the tournament became known as the 100 Guineas Cup.
This first race was won by the New York Yacht Club from the United States, against fierce competition from London’s Royal Yacht Squadron. Owing to their victory, the official name of the competition quickly took hold as the America’s Cup, since the winning schooner in the first regatta was called America. The skipper of the winning boat donated the prize to his club back at home to encourage competition between nations by organising other regattas with trophies up for grabs. In 1870, the second regatta in the series took place – the first opportunity for the New Yorkers to defend their title, which they successfully did – and has taken place regularly over the years ever since.
Where to Watch America’s Cup Barcelona 2024?
You can catch the America’s Cup from a unique location. All the races take place just 200 meters off the beaches of Barcelona, at the race base located between Port Vell and Port Olímpic.
You can stroll through the entire base camp of the boats for free at Port Vell. It’s the competition’s way of connecting with its audience and humanizing the event with the participating teams.
Additionally, you can follow all the America’s Cup races live through the official website and also via live broadcasts on YouTube. Don’t miss any detail!
When to Watch the America’s Cup Sailing Barcelona 2024?
Discover all the scheduled dates for the America’s Cup!
August 22nd: Inauguration of the 37th edition of the America’s Cup Sailing.
August 23rd: Start of the final preliminary race, with all teams competing for the first time.
From late August to early October: Challenger Selection Series, to determine the team that will face the current Cup defender, Emirates Team New Zealand.
September 26th to October 16th: Puig Women’s America’s Cup and Youth America’s Cup celebrations.
October 12th to 20th: Start of the America’s Cup Match. A competition comprising 13 races where the current Cup defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, faces the winning team from the Challenger Selection Series.
Which Teams Are Participating in America’s Cup Barcelona 2024?
The teams are already preparing their strategies and fine-tuning their boats. Do you know which teams are participating? Let us tell you!
Emirates Team New Zealand from New Zealand, the current holder of the America’s Cup.
INEOS Britannia from the UK, the team making the Challenger of Record (first challenge) with Emirates Team New Zealand.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing from Switzerland. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli from Italy.
American Magic New York Yacht Club from the United States.
Orient Express Racing Team from France.
America’s Cup Experience: Official 37th America’s Cup Barcelona 2024 Information Center
Would you like to uniquely explore the history, teams, rules, boats, and the technology propelling these vessels? Enjoy at the America’s Cup Experience!
The organization has created a unique environment located at Port Vell, next to the bases of the main teams, and with playful offerings for the whole family. Immersive spaces for unique sensations. You can even hop on simulators to experience sailing in these sea Formula 1s.
From Monday to Sunday, from 10 am to 8 pm, you can have this fabulous experience. Tickets can be purchased through the center’s official website. Don’t miss out!
Now that you have all the information about the America’s Cup Sailing, don’t hesitate any longer and come to this special event of the year. If you’re looking for accommodation during your visit, we offer any of our hotels in downtown Barcelona. Choose between HCC St. Moritz, HCC Montblanc, HCC Regente, HCC Taber. We’ll be waiting for you!
