Barcelona hosts the 37th America’s Cup in 2024

The oldest international sports competition still operating in any sport is coming to town! The 37th America’s Cup will be held in Barcelona from 22nd August until 20th October 2024. The event race village will be located along the city’s old harbour and will offer all visitors a unique experience, connecting them to team bases, boats, and the event itself.

The cup was first raced in August 1851 off the English Isle of Wight, in a fleet race between the New York Yacht Club’s “America” and 15 yachts of the Royal Yacht Squadron that was witnessed by Queen Victoria, and won by America. It is considered to be the first “America’s Cup” race, and where its name derives from. Ever since, America’s Cup match races are generally held every three to four years, between two sailing yachts: one from the yacht club that currently holds the trophy (known as the defender) and the other from the yacht club that is challenging for the cup (the challenger).

The America’s Cup trophy was held by the New York Yacht Club for 132 years, from 1851 until 1983. Its reign during 25 consecutive cups is the longest winning streak as measured by years in the history of all sports, and will probably remain as an all-time record for a very long time. Current defender is “Team New Zealand” whose yacht “Te Rehutai” won the 36th America’s Cup held in 2021 off Auckland against the “Luna Rossa” yacht of the challenging “Circolo della Vela Sicilia” team from Palermo, Italy. Luna Rossa had previously won the “Challenger Selection Series” and so became the official challenger.

The history and prestige associated with the America’s Cup attracts the world’s top sailors, yacht designers, wealthy entrepreneurs and sponsors. It is the ultimate test of sailing skill, boat and sail design, and fundraising and management skills. Barcelona is looking forward to welcome participants and visitors to the 2024 America’s Cup!