Catalonia to leverage America’s Cup

Barcelona, as the host of the 37th America’s Cup, is the capital of Catalonia which has a complicated history, and presently is considered an autonomous community within the country of Spain.

So, the competition is in Spain… sort of.

Catalonians have their own language, culture, and history that differs from the rest of Spain. They identify themselves as Catalonians, not Spaniards. And after an unsuccessful attempt to secede from Spain in 2017, the region’s largest city is sailing back into the spotlight.

The aim of the Catalan Government is to benefit from the sporting event, and has signed a collaborative agreement (above) with the America’s Cup to consolidate the impact that the sailing competition will have on the Catalan economy.

The government is focused on increasing the use of ‘clean hydrogen’ in the maritime sector, as well as boosting the technological ecosystem and local businesses before, during, and after the America’s Cup event.

“Not only will the competition show Catalonia to the world, but it will also establish projects and bring innovation to businesses,” said Catalan business minister Roger Torrent.

The agreement aims to transform Catalonia into an example of sustainability in the maritime sector. To do so, it has also been agreed that new innovations regarding hydrogen generated in the competition will be property of the Catalan government.

Grant Dalton, the CEO of the America’s Cup Event, acknowledges the marine industry is highly contaminating, and recognizes how a green transition is “one of the challenges of America’s Cup.”

The competition has already made some changes in this aspect and all the support boats of the Cup work with green hydrogen generating zero emissions.

Source: https://www.catalannews.com/sports/item/americas-cup-aiming-to-have-lasting-impact-on-catalan-economy

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period opened December 1, 2021 and runs until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup may be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the venue reveal, confirming it would be Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup begins October 12, 2024.

Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)

2023-24 Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 3 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain

2024 America’s Cup
September: Challenger Selection Series
October 12 – ?: 37th Match (Best of 13)

Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Additional details: www.americascup.com/en/home