The America’s Cup is the oldest sporting event in history.
No less than 174 years old, it is also the most important maritime competition in the world. The 37th edition of the America’s Cup in Barcelona will be held in the Por Vell from August to October 2024 and in this post we are going to give you the keys to experience the competition as you deserve. More than 1.2 billion people are expected to see Barcelona over the next few months, a real challenge for the Catalan capital.
Get ready to get to know this maritime event in depth.
Let’s get started!
History of the America’s Cup
Initially known as the ‘100 Guineas Cup’, the race was organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron in England. The event took its current name after the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) boat “America” won the inaugural competition, beating the British fleet around the Isle of Wight.
Milestones and highlights in the history of the America’s Cup
1851: The first race The yacht “America” wins the first race, establishing the initial dominance of the United States in the competition.
1870-1983: Dominance of the New York Yacht Club During this period, the NYYC successfully defended the trophy on 24 consecutive occasions, establishing a record of dominance unmatched in the sport. 1983: Australia II victory The Australian team, led by the yacht “Australia II” and its innovative keel design, breaks NYYC’s winning streak, marking the first time the trophy has left the United States in 132 years.
1995: Triumph of Black Magic The New Zealand team, with the yacht “Black Magic”, wins the America’s Cup, noted for its meticulous preparation and innovative tactical approach.
2003: Alinghi of Switzerland The Swiss team “Alinghi” wins the America’s Cup in its first participation, a remarkable feat under the leadership of navigator Ernesto Bertarelli.
2010: The Oracle Team USA Multihull Challenge wins the 33rd edition with an advanced trimaran, in an edition highlighted by the use of high-tech multihull boats.
2013: The Great Comeback Oracle Team USA makes one of the most impressive comebacks in the history of the sport, recovering from an 8-1 deficit to win 9-8 against Emirates Team New Zealand on San Francisco Bay.
2021: New Zealand’s Victory Emirates Team New Zealand retains the trophy in Auckland, demonstrating its superior skill and advanced technology in high-speed boats.
Innovation, technology and current relevance
As we have seen, throughout its history, the America’s Cup has been a testing ground for technological innovations in yacht design, materials and sailing tactics. From the introduction of innovative keels to the use of lightweight composites and the implementation of advanced computer technology to optimize performance, the competition has been at the forefront of nautical evolution. The America’s Cup today is the most prestigious and hotly contested competition in the sport of sailing, attracting elite teams and sailors from around the world. Each edition not only celebrates tradition and competition, but also pushes the boundaries of innovation and excellence in sailing.
The America’s Cup Edition in Barcelona
The fact that the 37th edition of the America’s Cup will be held in Barcelona is a great opportunity for the city:
– Greater attraction of visitors.
– Development of social and business initiatives linked to the nautical sector.
– The possibility of making investments in infrastructures.
– And, of course, great visibility around the world.
All this has a positive impact on the economy, prestige and reputation of the city. Not in vain is expected the arrival of more than two and a half million visitors with high purchasing power, in addition to the usual tourists that welcomes the city of Barcelona at this time of year.
America’s Cup Luxury Experience
Barcelona offers a wide variety of experiences that will undoubtedly complete an event of the magnitude of the America’s Cup. Here are some of the accommodations, gastronomic experiences and activities that you can enjoy during those months:
Luxury accommodation options in Barcelona
If you want to be sure that you will have a great stay, we recommend you to opt for one of the luxury accommodations in the city. Among the most outstanding options are for example:
- Hotel Arts Barcelona: Located in the Olympic Port, this iconic hotel offers stunning sea views and five-star service. Its luxury suites and special Club Level are ideal for those seeking the best in comfort and elegance.
- Mandarin Oriental Barcelona: Located in the heart of the city, this hotel combines historic architecture with contemporary design. Its luxurious rooms and world-renowned spa make it a perfect choice for relaxing after an exciting day on the water.
- W Barcelona: With its distinctive sail shape, this hotel is a symbol of modern luxury. It offers rooms with panoramic views of the Mediterranean and a unique experience on its terrace and infinity pool.
Restaurants and exclusive gastronomic experiences
Barcelona’s gastronomic scene is world-renowned, and during the America’s Cup, you can enjoy unique culinary experiences at some of the city’s best restaurants:
- El Celler de Can Roca: Just an hour from Barcelona, this three Michelin-starred restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. The Roca brothers present innovative cuisine that combines tradition and modernity.
- ABaC Restaurant: With two Michelin stars, chef Jordi Cruz offers avant-garde cuisine that delights the most demanding palates. Its sophisticated atmosphere and excellent service make it an unmissable stop.
- Tickets: Founded by the Adrià brothers, this restaurant offers a unique gastronomic experience with its concept of haute cuisine tapas. The creativity and quality of the dishes make every visit a culinary adventure.
VIP events and activities during the competition
For those looking for a truly special experience during the America’s Cup, Barcelona offers a range of VIP events and activities:
- Access to VIP areas: Enjoy the competition from the VIP areas, which offer the best views and amenities. These areas often include gourmet catering, open bar and personalised service.
- Private parties and receptions: Attend exclusive events hosted at luxury yachts, private villas and yacht clubs. These gatherings are ideal for socialising with other sailing enthusiasts and prominent figures in the yachting world.
- Personalised sailing experiences: Charter a luxury yacht to follow the competition from the sea. Enjoy personalised service with skipper and crew, on-board catering and the chance to participate in private sailing activities.
- Private tours and cultural activities: Complement your stay by getting to know the city, and visiting museums, art galleries or wine cellars in the Penedès region.
Rent a boat for the America’s Cup
Advantages of renting a boat to enjoy the event
Renting a boat to enjoy the America’s Cup in Barcelona offers a unique and exclusive experience, designed for those who are not satisfied with less. The main advantages of opting for this option are:
- Front row for the action and being able to follow the excitement of the race up close in real time.
- Comfort and privacy in your own space. On board your charter boat, you can relax and enjoy the event in a private and comfortable environment, away from the crowds.
- It allows you to customise your experience with onboard services such as gourmet catering, premium beverages and personalised entertainment.
Flexibility and freedom to set your itinerary and sail at your own pace. - You can take the opportunity to explore other parts of the Catalan coast and the nearby Balearic Islands before or after events.
There is the possibility of having an experienced skipper and crew to take care of all the sailing and service details, allowing you to relax and enjoy the event. - Business opportunities: The exclusive and relaxed atmosphere of a yacht is ideal for informal business meetings and making new professional connections.
Links and additional resources
To make your experience at the America’s Cup in Barcelona complete and well-informed, here are some links that you may find useful to consult::
- America’s Cup Official Website: America’s Cup Official Website
- Official Website of the Port of Barcelona with information about the port and marinas in Barcelona: Port of Barcelona
- Barcelona Tourism: Visit Barcelona.
In conclusion, all sailing and competition lovers are looking forward to the new edition of the America’s Cup in Barcelona. From our blog we will be following the event closely and we will be telling you all about it, so that you can experience the competition in a legendary way.