The America’s Cup is one of the most prestigious and oldest events in the world of sailing.
The upcoming edition will be the 37th and promises to bring us a lot of excitement, innovation, and fierce competition. So, let’s see what to expect this year.
Brief History of the America’s Cup
The first America’s Cup took place in 1851 when the American yacht “America” defeated the British fleet in a race around the Isle of Wight. Since then, the competition has become an international event that attracts the best teams and cutting-edge technology.
The early editions of the Cup were direct challenges between two yachts, usually one from the United States and another from a challenging nation. These matchups were as much a test of sailing skill as they were of boat design, with each team seeking the perfect edge in design and strategy.
America’s Cup boats have evolved from traditional wooden yachts to high-tech vessels made from composite materials. The introduction of hydrofoils and foils has revolutionized the competition, allowing the boats to “fly” over the water at impressive speeds.
We can say that this is not only a competition of speed and skill but also a testing ground for technological innovations in sailing. The advances developed for these boats often improve commercial and recreational sailing, setting trends in marine design and technology.
The 37th America’s Cup
The 37th America’s Cup will be held in Barcelona, around the Port Vell and along the beach to the Port Olímpic, from August 22 to October 27, 2024. The Official Opening Ceremony will take place on August 22, followed by the final Preliminary Regatta and the Louis Vuitton Cup (the Challenger Selection Series) leading up to the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match starting on October 12.
The teams competing are Emirates Team New Zealand, INEOS Britannia, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, NYYC American Magic, and Orient Express Racing Team. The current Defender of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup is Emirates Team New Zealand, representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
INEOS Britannia, the “Challenger of Record” from the United Kingdom, leads and manages the Louis Vuitton Cup (Challenger Selection Series) which will determine who will face New Zealand for the trophy.
The Cup’s format ensures that the Defender has an automatic right to compete in the final of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match, while the Challengers will hold a series of races to find the best boat to face the New Zealand team.
In addition to INEOS Britannia, the other confirmed teams are: Alinghi Red Bull Racing from Switzerland; Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli from Italy; NYYC American Magic from the United States; and Orient Express Racing Team from France.
The Boats
- The AC75: These represent the pinnacle of monohulls with hydrofoils (“foils”). Designed for the 36th America’s Cup, they are a technological leap compared to conventional boats. Thanks to the hydrofoils, these boats lift above the water, allowing speeds up to four times that of the wind. The second generation of AC75 will be even faster, with wider hydrofoils and improvements in every aspect. They will have a crew of eight people, featuring some of the best talents in the sailing world.
- The AC40: These “pocket rockets” were introduced with great fanfare in September 2022, and their performance has been impressive. They are the boats used in the Puig Women’s and the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup competitions, as well as serving as training boats for the main teams competing in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. Although smaller, they are no less powerful and have a crew of four people.
How to Watch the Competition
You can enjoy the event off the water at the Race Village. Access is completely free during all America’s Cup events and will be located at Port Vell along the Moll de la Fusta. There, you can also see presentations from the sailors on the main stage, as well as daily activities from sponsors and teams, and enjoy the food offerings.
If you wish to watch the races from your own boat, designated areas for yachts and small boats will be set up around the perimeter of the racecourse. Make sure to register your boat HERE to stay updated with all the information.
With world-class teams, cutting-edge technology, and a fantastic host city like Barcelona, the 37th America’s Cup promises to be one of the most intense editions in the 174-year history of this event. Don’t miss it!
