America’s Cup Barcelona: Experience the thrill of the nautical event of the year!
The America’s Cup (this year in Barcelona) has long been one of the most prestigious sporting events in the nautical world. This year, the excitement of the competition moves to the Mediterranean, with the Catalan capital as the host city.
If you are not yet familiar with the event, don’t worry. At Motyvel we provide all the dates and essential information so you don’t miss a single detail.
The history of the America’s Cup
Considered the peak of international yacht racing, the America’s Cup traces its origins back to 1851, when the schooner “America” crossed the Atlantic from New York as a symbol of American ingenuity. Originally designed and built for Prince Albert’s Great Exhibition, the “America” caused a sensation by winning a race around the Isle of Wight during the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Annual Regatta, defeating the finest yachts in the British fleet for what was then known as the 100 Guineas Cup.
Upon returning to New York, the members of the “America” syndicate considered melting down the silver ewer to create commemorative medals, but fortunately this never happened. On 8 July 1857, the boat’s owners renamed the trophy the America’s Cup and donated it—through a Deed of Gift that still governs the competition—to the New York Yacht Club as “a challenge cup for friendly competition between countries.”
In its more than 170-year history, only four nations (the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland) have won the trophy. Despite numerous attempts, the British—who originated the competition—have never claimed victory. Teams from Italy, France, Spain, South Africa, Germany, Japan, China, and Sweden have come close in the modern era, but none have succeeded to date, proving that it remains one of the most demanding competitions in international sport.
Today, as the oldest trophy in international sport, the America’s Cup (Barcelona) is contested strictly under the Deed of Gift. Moreover, the winner of the America’s Cup (Barcelona) earns the right to organise the next edition, including deciding the venue, date, rules, and even the design of the competing boats, in accordance with the principles of the Deed of Gift.
Where: this year, in Barcelona
From August to October 2024, the epicentre of the 37th America’s Cup is Port Vell, right in the heart of Barcelona. Further north, at Port Olímpic—famous for hosting the sailing events of the Barcelona ’92 Olympics—spectators can enjoy the UniCredit Youth and Puig Women’s America’s Cup (Barcelona). Twelve teams from around the world will compete in the dynamic AC40 class. A stroll through Port Olímpic is a must.
The Race Village
The Race Village will be located along Moll de la Fusta, offering a FREE and accessible experience for everyone, connecting visitors with the boats, the team bases, and the event as a whole.
Emirates Team New Zealand
Emirates Team New Zealand, the defending champion, has chosen the corner of Moll de Barcelona, in front of the imposing World Trade Center, where the press centre and the America’s Cup (Barcelona) offices are located. The Kiwi base is easy to spot thanks to the iconic Christopher Columbus statue.
INEOS Britannia
As Challenger of Record, INEOS Britannia has set up its base next to the current superyacht marina adjacent to the IMAX cinema. Meanwhile, Alinghi Red Bull Racing is located between the aquarium and the shopping centre.
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and American Magic have chosen bases further south, near the striking Hotel W. The Italians are positioned on the west side of the harbour entrance, beside the Barcelona Nàutic Centre, in an area that offers a blank canvas for the most stylish team in the America’s Cup (Barcelona).
NYYC American Magic
NYYC American Magic has established its base within the superyacht facilities of Marina Barcelona 92 (MB92). Access is via Passeig de Joan de Borbó—a lively restaurant-filled area leading to Hotel W, surrounded by port buildings yet just steps away from the bustling beach, an ideal spot to watch the America’s Cup (Barcelona) races.
Orient Express Racing Team
The French Orient Express Racing Team, which joined the Cup in early 2023, is based at Moll de Ponent, west of the World Trade Centre, on the current Grimaldi Lines dock.
The America’s Cup races will take place off one of Barcelona’s most spectacular beaches, La Barceloneta, giving spectators a unique opportunity to enjoy the show along the entire coastline. It is one of the world’s great natural amphitheatres for sailing, and with boats reaching speeds over 100 km/h, it is expected to be the most spectacular sporting event of 2024.
When: August – October 2024
On 22 August 2024, all eyes will be on Barcelona for the opening ceremony of the America’s Cup, which will take place before the racing begins. This will be followed by the Final Preliminary Regatta and the Louis Vuitton Cup (Challenger Selection Series), which lead into the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Match, starting on 12 October 2024, where the winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup will face the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand.
Key dates
- Barcelona Preliminary Regatta: 22–25 August
- Louis Vuitton Cup – Round Robins: 29 August – 8 September
- Louis Vuitton Cup Semifinals: 14–19 September (first two teams to win five match-race trials)
- Louis Vuitton Cup Final: 26 September – 5 October (first team to win seven match-race trials)
- Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup (Barcelona) Match: 12–21 October (first team to win seven match-race trials)
- UniCredit Youth America’s Cup (Barcelona): 17–26 September
- Puig Women’s America’s Cup (Barcelona): 5–13 October
Additionally
- Official training days precede the start of the races.
- Reserve days are scheduled if needed.
Who competes?
The current holder of the America’s Cup is Emirates Team New Zealand, representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, but they will face fierce competition. INEOS Britannia from the United Kingdom is the Challenger of Record.
The unique format of this competition grants the Defender, as holder of the America’s Cup (Barce), the automatic right to advance directly to the final “Match”, while the Challengers compete in an intense series of races to determine who will face the New Zealand team.
Confirmed teams include: INEOS Britannia (GBR), Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI), Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (ITA), NYYC American Magic (USA), and Orient Express Racing Team (FRA).
Each team in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup is unique. Their boat designs and technologies are highly customised and refined, resulting from thousands of hours of trials both in simulation and on the water. The sailors are the very best in the world, coming from the Olympics and high-performance foiling. Some are at their peak, others are still rising, and for some, this will be their first America’s Cup experience.
What unites all teams is their absolute commitment—borrowing the words of legendary America’s Cup winner (and loser) Dennis Conner. It is a one-of-a-kind event on the sporting calendar, with rules, layers of strategy and intrigue that make the America’s Cup (Barcelona) so fascinating.
Motyvel
At Motyvel, we want to accompany you on your adventures. With more than 35 years of experience, we offer a wide range of yachts so you can enjoy this America’s Cup Barcelona from the best possible place: the sea.
Embark on a tailor-made adventure and discover the essence of this magical land. Get in contact with us for more information.
