The America’s Cup isn’t just any sailing event; it’s a spectacle of speed, skill, and sheer exhilaration that promises to leave you breathless.
Everything You Need to Know Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Barcelona Sea and sailing enthusiasts, rejoice! From August to October 2024, Barcelona, the heart of Catalonia and the Mediterranean, plays host to the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup – the…
Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Barcelona
The Barcelona America’s Cup 2024 is well underway, and the excitement is palpable across the city. If you’re in Barcelona, you’re not just witnessing an event — you’re becoming part of a world-class sailing spectacle. From the speed of the hydrofoiling yachts slicing through the Mediterranean to the electric energy in the crowds, there’s no better time to be here.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailing enthusiast or a curious traveler, the America’s Cup offers an unforgettable experience that goes far beyond just watching boats. The city’s vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the action on the water, creates a perfect mix of sport and culture.
An Unparalleled Sailing Spectacle.
Watching the America’s Cup preliminaries was nothing short of awe-inspiring. On August 25th, I witnessed the yachts practically flying over the sea — an incredible display of speed and skill. The boats barely touched the water, cutting through the waves with the kind of precision that only world-class sailors can achieve.
The crowd was buzzing with excitement, eyes glued to the giant screens set up along Port Vell and other key areas in the city. With each race, you could feel the anticipation rise. This wasn’t just a sailing event; it was a festival of adrenaline, showcasing the very best of competitive sailing.
Think of it as the Formula 1 of the sea – fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled, and utterly thrilling. With a history dating back to 1851, the America’s Cup is not just the oldest sporting event; it’s a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. And in Barcelona, you’ll witness the best sailors from around the world battling it out for glory on the waves.
Soak in the Vibrant Atmosphere of the America’s Cup
Barcelona has transformed into a sailing hub, with locals and tourists alike flocking to watch the races. Large viewing screens are strategically placed across the city, giving everyone a chance to follow the competition, even if they’re not directly on the shore. The atmosphere is electrifying — thousands of fans, families, and tourists mingling, watching the boats as they glide effortlessly over the water.
The America’s Cup brings out the best of Barcelona. While the races are the main attraction, the entire event feels like a city-wide celebration. From the Barceloneta beach to Port Vell, there are activities, pop-up events, and local markets that make it a fun-filled experience for everyone. It’s not just about sailing — it’s about soaking in the best of what Barcelona has to offer.
Explore Barcelona Like Never Before During the 2024 America’s Cup
If you’re visiting for the America’s Cup, why not make the most of your time in Barcelona? Between races, you have the perfect opportunity to discover the city’s many wonders. A private tour is the ideal way to explore Barcelona’s famous landmarks while avoiding the large crowds brought in by the event.
Picture yourself wandering through the historic Gothic Quarter with a private guide who leads you off the typical tourist path. Then, dive deep into the wonders of Gaudí’s architecture on our top-rated Premium Tour with Javier—an expert with insider knowledge from working directly with the architects and sculptors of the Sagrada Família. Explore Park Güell and Casa Batlló while uncovering fascinating stories few others can share. Just steps from the America’s Cup action, La Barceloneta is the perfect spot to relax, savor fresh seafood, and soak in the Mediterranean between races.
With a private guide, you can tailor your day exactly how you want it, blending the excitement of the America’s Cup with the rich culture and history of Barcelona. You’ll have the flexibility to enjoy both the fast-paced regattas and the quiet charm of Barcelona’s old town — a truly personalized experience.
What is The America’s Cup?
PARTICIPATING TEAMS AND BASES
There are six teams participating in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup:
Defending Team: Emirates Team New Zealand (New Zealand), the current holder of the America’s Cup. This team represents the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and is the defender of the Cup.
Teams competing to reach the final and face Emirates Team New Zealand: INEOS Britannia (United Kingdom) Alinghi Red Bull Racing (Switzerland) Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (Italy) American Magic New York Yacht Club (United States) Orient Express Racing Team (France) All the bases of the participating teams are located in the Port Vell area, where the America’s Cup Race Village is also located. The bases of the youth and women’s teams are located in Port Olímpic.
BOATS
The boats used for this competition, called AC75s, incorporate the latest technologies, with hydrofoils that make the boats fly over the water, reaching speeds of over 50 knots (almost 100 km/h). For this reason, they are popularly called the Formula 1 of the sea. There is another class of boats for competition in the youth and women’s category and for the first preliminary races, the AC40, the little brother of the AC75. As for the support vessels, for the first time, they are sustainable, as they are powered by hydrogen.
What’s New in the Barcelona Edition
In the Barcelona edition, the races can be followed from the beaches, as the racecourse will be located between Port Vell and Port Olímpic. The competition has a free-access Race Village located in Port Vell along Moll de la Fusta, connecting people with boats, team bases, and the event. This edition also incorporates the celebration of the Youth America’s Cup and, for the first time in history, the Women’s America’s Cup, both with smaller AC40 boats. The twelve teams in these two categories have their base in Port Olímpic. Among the participants, there will be a Spanish team, SailTeamBCN, which will compete in both competitions, youth, and women’s. Also, for the first time, a documentary series will be made to follow the day-to-day of the teams and their progress within the competition.
Competition
The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup opens on August 22, 2024, and consists of several tests that culminate in the final match, which takes place in October, although you can already see the impressive boats sailing in front of the city’s beaches for training. The preliminary races serve as preparation before the Challenger Selection Series, in which it is decided which team advances and faces the defending team, the current holder of the cup and who defends the trophy, Emirates Team New Zealand. The unique format of the America’s Cup means that the trophy defender automatically has the right to compete in the America’s Cup Match Final, while the challengers will hold a series of races to decide the best team to face the New Zealand team. The format of the Youth America’s Cup and the Women’s America’s Cup will pit representatives of the six America’s Cup teams against six invited teams, and only six will qualify for the final series, and the top two will advance to the final to decide the winner.
How to follow the Races
The races take place from Port Vell to Port Olímpic or Port Fòrum (depending on the winds). The public will be able to follow the races from the city’s beaches for free or from designated areas with screens for better visibility. A unique opportunity to see these extraordinary boats sail at full speed, popularly known as the Formula 1 of the sea. The races will also be broadcast live through the official America’s Cup website and will be available to watch on YouTube.
Your Invitation to Adventure
The America’s Cup is just the beginning of your Barcelona escapade. Dive deeper into the city’s soul with personalized tours and experiences tailored to your interests. Whether you’re craving a taste of Catalan cuisine, eager to explore Gaudí’s architectural wonders, or simply want to soak up the sun on the city’s pristine beaches, we’ve got you covered.