Going to Barcelona for the America’s Cup

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
While Barcelona is a bit too flash for me, and getting robbed in the first 30 minutes of arrival hasn’t helped my opinion, the glam of the America’s Cup will sit well in this cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region.

For those going, the plan to provide unrivaled viewing access to the racing on a daily basis is what the new America’s Cup is all about. For sure, the competition will be hard to miss as the renowned beachfront will be just a few hundred meters from the racing from late August through to the end of October 2024.

The organizers have arranged dedicated areas for spectators and fans to congregate and get immersed in the action including the Official Race Village situated along the Moll de la Fusta with big screens, restaurant and bar facilities, a range of exhibits and content rich stands, and the opportunity to get close to the sailors with daily presentations after racing.

Out on the beachfront, the Fanzone Plaça del Mar will also feature the racing on a giant screen with an AC exhibit and pop-up store together with catering and bar options and then to the north, the Fanzone Bogatell will offer a unique beachfront perspective. All viewing points are free, and while the course may be close to the coast, find a screen to actually follow a race.

For those willing to spend some money, the “House of AC37” Official Hospitality Program provides an immersive hospitality experience situated overlooking the Port Olímpic, directly overlooking the Youth & Women’s AC40 team bases and with an elevated view point just off the beachfront and inside the hospitality village next to AC37 Club.

Hospitality packages are available and offer unique, locally-inspired, Michelin-quality dining experiences whilst being entertained on the terraces with sailing commentary in a chic nautical-themed environment purpose-built over two floors for the event.

Live screens will show the racing so fans won’t miss a moment of the action set within a relaxed, inclusive, informative and entertaining atmosphere. Meet and greet opportunities will also be facilitated with legends of the America’s Cup and once the racing has concluded, entertainment will continue as they digest the afternoon’s action.

Go big or go home, right? For more details, click here.

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 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 22-25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain

2024 Challenger Selection Series
August 29-September 8: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)

2024 America’s Cup
October 12-21: 37th Match (Best of 13)

For more schedule details, click here.
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

Source: ACE