This is the summer of sporting competitions! And apart from the Olympic Games, we will experience other important sporting moments. The America's Cup Sailing 2024 will take place in our beloved city of Barcelona. This event, which combines technological innovation and greatness in sailing, promises to be one of the highlights of the year. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the opening ceremony, the duration of the event, the full schedule and where to watch the regatta.
America's Cup Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of the Louis Vuitton 37ª America’s Cup se celebrará el 22 de agosto de 2024 en Barcelona. This event will mark the official start of the competition, bringing together the best sailing teams in the world. The inauguration will be a spectacle that will highlight Barcelona's rich maritime history and its capacity to host top-level sporting events.
The opening ceremony will feature team parades, boat presentations and an artistic display highlighting both local culture and sailing tradition. Leading figures from the sailing world and local authorities are expected to be present to welcome competitors and spectators. In addition, there will be a series of parallel activities and events including exhibitions, workshops and concerts, all designed to create a festive and exciting atmosphere for the city's sailing enthusiasts.
¿Cuánto dura la Louis Vuitton 37ª America’s Cup?
La Copa América de Vela 2024 se extiende desde el 22 de agosto hasta el 27 de octubre. El evento principal, conocido como el Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match, se celebrará del 12 al 27 de octubre. Entre estas fechas, se llevarán a cabo varias regatas preliminares y la Louis Vuitton Cup, que determinará qué equipo desafiará al actual campeón, Emirates Team New Zealand.
La Louis Vuitton Cup es una serie crucial que no solo selecciona al retador oficial, sino que también ofrece un espectáculo apasionante para los aficionados. Esta fase del evento incluye múltiples rondas de regatas en las que los equipos compiten en un formato de eliminación. Las semifinales y finales de la Louis Vuitton Cup son particularmente intensas, ya que solo el equipo más fuerte avanzará para desafiar al defensor del título en la America’s Cup Match.
Full schedule of the Copa America 2024
The calendar for the 2024 America's Cup is as follows:
- 22 August: Opening ceremony
- 23-25 August: Last preliminary race
- 29 de agosto – 7 de octubre: Louis Vuitton Cup
- 12-27 October: America’s Cup Match
- 17-26 September: UniCredit Youth America's Cup
- 5-13 October: Puig Women's America's Cup.
Las fechas clave comienzan con la inauguración oficial el 22 de agosto. La última regata preliminar se llevará a cabo del 23 al 25 de agosto, donde los equipos tendrán su primera oportunidad de medirse en competencia real. La Louis Vuitton Cup, del 29 de agosto al 7 de octubre, será el periodo en que se determinará el retador. Posteriormente, del 12 al 27 de octubre, se disputará el America’s Cup Match, el evento principal. Además, la UniCredit Youth America’s Cup y la Puig Women’s America’s Cup se llevarán a cabo entre septiembre y octubre, brindando plataformas para las futuras estrellas de la vela.
Where to watch the America's Cup 2024 regatta?
From the ground
Barcelona offers multiple places to watch the America's Cup 2024 from land. The Fan Zones and the Race Village will be equipped with giant screens and will be located in strategic areas such as the Olympic Port and the nearby beaches, providing a privileged view of the regattas.
The Fan Zones will not only allow fans to follow the races live, but will also offer a variety of interactive activities, exhibitions and food and drink stalls. These zones will become meeting points for sailing enthusiasts, where they can enjoy the atmosphere and share in the excitement of the competition. The Race Village, located in the heart of the harbour, will be the epicentre of activity with access to the teams and boats, providing a unique experience close to the action.
From the water
If you prefer to watch the competition from the water, you can get close to the perimeter of the race course with your boat. There are also boat hire options that offer personalised experiences to enjoy the regatta from the sea.
Watching the America's Cup Sailing 2024 from the water offers an unparalleled perspective. Many local companies are offering yacht and powerboat charter packages, allowing spectators to get up close to the action and feel the adrenaline rush of the racing. In addition, specialised charter boats will provide guided tours and catering services on board, creating a luxury experience for those wishing to enjoy the event in complete comfort.
From the screen
For those unable to be present in Barcelona, the America's Cup Sailing 2024 will be broadcast live on international sports channels such as ESPN, NBC Sports and Eurosport. In addition, streaming platforms associated with these channels, such as ESPN+ and NBC Sports Gold, will offer live and on-demand coverage.
Television and online coverage will ensure that fans around the world do not miss a single moment of the action. Broadcasts will include expert commentary, real-time analysis and replays of highlights, providing a complete experience for remote viewers. Streaming platforms will allow users to watch the races on any device, ensuring total accessibility.
Economic and sustainable impact on the City of Barcelona
Barcelona is not only preparing to be the epicentre of elite sailing, but will also benefit economically from it. The event is expected to generate more than 19,000 jobs and a significant economic impact, strengthening the region's blue economy.
The economic impact of the 2024 America's Cup will be wide and deep. The influx of international visitors will boost the tourism industry, benefiting hotels, restaurants and local businesses.. In addition, investment in infrastructure and services related to the event will create employment opportunities and foster economic development in key sectors. The promotion of the blue economy, which includes sustainable productive activities related to oceans and coasts, will receive a considerable boost, contributing to sustainable growth in the region.
In addition to the exciting sporting events, the America's Cup Sailing 2024 in Barcelona will stand out for its commitment to sustainability. Advanced technologies and green practices will be implemented to minimise the environmental impact of the event, setting new standards in the world of water sports.
Sustainability will be a key pillar of the 2024 America's Cup. The organisers have taken a number of initiatives to reduce the event's carbon footprint, including the use of renewable energy, efficient waste management and the promotion of green sailing practices. The racing boats, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, will not only be fast and competitive, but also environmentally friendly. This sustainable approach aims to inspire other sporting events and the yachting industry in general to follow suit.
Tourist experience in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city full of charm and culture, and during the America's Cup Sailing 2024, visitors will have the opportunity to explore its many attractions. From Gaudí's iconic architecture to golden beaches and great nightlife, Barcelona offers something for everyone.
For those looking for a complete experience, the hotel Ocean Drive Barcelona is an excellent choice of accommodation. This hotel combines exclusivity and comfort with a privileged location close to the city's main points of interest. In addition, if you are looking for a restaurant in Barcelona with local and delicious options, the hotel's restaurant offers an exquisite selection of dishes, perfect to enjoy after an action-packed day at the regattas.
In short, the America's Cup Sailing 2024 in Barcelona promises to be an unforgettable event that will combine the excitement of competition with the charm of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this historic event, either by attending in person, following the action from the water or watching the races from your hotel room.