The America’s Cup is one of oldest trophies in international sport, with a history dating back to 1851. Named after the schooner “America,” which won the inaugural race around the UK’s Isle of Wight, the Cup has since become the pinnacle of yacht racing, attracting the world’s finest sailors, and their state-of-the-art sailing technology.
Over the decades, the America’s Cup has not only been a test of skill but also a showcase for maritime innovation and a battleground for national pride.
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The evolution of the America’s Cup
In the beginning, the America’s Cup was a straightforward challenge between yacht clubs, with the defender hosting the race and the challenger coming from another country. The New York Yacht Club (NYYC) dominated the event for 132 years, defending the Cup 24 times until 1983 when the Royal Perth Yacht Club’s Australia II ended their streak. This victory marked a turning point, introducing a more competitive edge.
Since then The Cup has evolved tremendously. The yachts have transformed from traditional mono-hulls to the high-speed, foiling catamarans and monohulls of today, capable of reaching speeds over 50 knots (nearly 60 mph). These technological advancements have made the races more thrilling and spectator-friendly, drawing larger audiences both at the Cup and through global broadcasts.
Nowadays, the America’s Cup is becoming a showcase for sustainability and the blue economy, too.
The 2024 America’s Cup in Barcelona
The 37th edition of the America’s Cup, takes place from the 22nd August until October 2024, in Barcelona, Spain. This marks a return to Europe following the 2007 event in Valencia – just 350 km along the coast.
Barcelona is a picturesque yet practical location for this prestigious event. The city’s natural harbor and favorable sailing conditions make it an ideal sailing site. Barcelona’s well accustomed infrastructure and hospitality industry are safe hands to handle the massive influx of visitors. There’s also the local enthusiasm for sailing and sports, which will add zest to the thrill of the races.
New developments in Barcelona for 2024
The America’s Cup will be viewed by over 1 billion people worldwide but it will also bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Barcelona, alongside the competitors. With that in mind, the city has made major renovations to the city’s port, ahead of the event.
Here’s a summary of five of the new developments that will be on offer for visitors, and the city’s residents – at the event and for years to come.
- La Rambla to the sea – La Rambla is being linked to the port beyond, meaning the famous thoroughfare will be pedestrianized all the way down to the sea. While this won’t quite be ready for the event, the major part will be completed – and the port area at the bottom of La Rambla has been renovated.
- Balcon Gastronomico – a remodeling of the restaurant area at the city’s marina. The area was nice enough before but will now be a world-class foodie hub with sea views. Some of the new restaurants look spectacular and will be a fitting addition to a city that’s already home to the world’s best restaurant and world’s best bar!
- New Mirador building – the port renovations for the America’s Cup will mostly improve existing port buildings, such as the Barcelona Aquarium. But a new building that’s being created is an elegant lookout point at the edge of Barcelona’s port. It’s the reward after a walk along a brand new pedestrianized walkway.
- Convenient water ferries – these will operate between La Rambla and Barcelona’s seafront. Not only are they convenient – significantly cutting down an awkward journey – but they’re zero emissions. Book your tickets here.
- The city’s best at Timeout Market – a curation of the city’s best restaurants, bars and chefs, all under one roof. Modeled on the famous Timeout market in Lisbon. This has been opened in parallel with a remodeling of the city’s Maremagnum shopping mall.
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That’s just a few highlights. For even more of the fancy renovations to Barcelona’s port you can check the official website. These will all leave a lasting legacy for the city – and lasting memories for visitors.
Who’s competing for the 2024 America’s Cup?
The 2024 America’s Cup is set to be a mediterranean-infused showcase of pioneering maritime technology and fierce competition. Teams from six countries will compete in state-of-the-art AC75 foiling monohulls, which represent the pinnacle of modern yacht design. Here are some quick stats about these amazing yachts:
- Hull length: 20.7m
- Mast height: 26.5m
- Weight: 6.5 tons
- Crew: 8 people
- Maximum speed: 50 +kn
These vessels dare to defy gravity as they lift above the water on hydrofoils. Their elite performance and agility compared to normal boats, is like F1 cars versus those on roads.
Leading the competition is the current defender, Emirates Team New Zealand. Challenging them are five aspiring teams that’ll present tough opposition – most of them from Europe.
- 🇮🇹 Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli from Italy
- 🇬🇧 INEOS Britannia, from the UK
- 🇨🇭 Alinghi Red Bull Racing, from Switzerland
- 🇺🇸 NYCC American Magic, from the USA
- 🇫🇷 Orient Express Racing Team, from France
Each team will bring their unique brand of strategy, engineering, and sailing prowess, to the Mediterranean.
And, yes, you may have noticed that despite the America’s Cup being in Barcelona – there is no Spanish home team involved! A shame but then, despite leading the world in food and football and plenty of other things, Spain can’t be the best in the world at everything…
There’s no better time to visit Barcelona’s port
As the world’s oldest international sporting competition, the America’s Cup continues to captivate audiences with its blend of tradition, innovation, and high-stakes competition. With its picturesque setting, state-of-the-art yachts, and fiercely competitive teams, the 2024 Cup in Barcelona is set to be one of the best events yet. Maybe the best.
Stay tuned to our blog for an in-depth look at the teams, the technology, and the thrilling events leading up to the grand finale in Barcelona.
Are you coming to see it? Well, if you are and fancy seeing the city on another kind of vehicle entirely (which is also built with sustainability and low emissions in mind) then why not see the best of Barcelona on our Waterfront Segway Tour. It’d be the perfect land-based complement to all the action on the sea. And you’ll see a rejuvenated side to an already scintillating city.
