Will America’s Cup return to Valencia?

Of the three offshore venues under consideration for the 37th America’s Cup, the Spanish option of Valencia makes the most and least sense of them all. As host of the 32nd edition in 2007, its sandy beaches and sunny days found a massive audience but its unprotected sea can throw a spanner into today’s foiling boats.

Remembering back to when the Swiss Alinghi team first put the venue out to bid following their win at the 2003 America’s Cup, Fare Vela media offers this update:

Valencia’s candidacy resumes as an option to host the next edition of the America’s Cup in 2024. According to the Spanish national media, Valencia is the subject of advanced negotiations between the defender Emirates Team New Zealand and the Madrid government.

The Valencia headquarters, initially pushed by the Real Club Nautico de Valencia, receives the approval of the international sailing community, mindful of the unforgettable edition number 32 in 2007. The Port America’s Cup, now called Marina Real, still has most of the bases in operation and does not need any particular modifications.

For windy conditions, Valencia excels both in the fields south of the Saler and in the north of the Malvarrosa. The commercial port and the international airport facilitate any logistics, so the negotiation therefore concerns the amount that the Kiwis ask for to host the Cup.

It is understood to be about 30 to 40 million euros (35-46m USD), to which is added the part necessary for the organization. According to sources, also confirmed by a post from ETNZ helmsman Peter Burling, the negotiations with the central government of Madrid are progressing positively.

According to the findings of Fare Vela, private investments and funds from the Generalitat Valenciana, or the regional government of the Comunitat Valenciana, would then be added to the funds of the central government.

At the end of August, the Valencian option seemed to be wrecked due to the impossibility of satisfying the requests of the Kiwis, but now the direct involvement of the central government has relaunched the bid.

The Valencia option is one of three left on the table, along with Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Cork, Ireland. The announcement of the 37th America’s Cup venue is expected by November 17th.