Between August and October, all sailboats will be heading to Barcelona. The sailing world will be looking to the Catalan capital, host of the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup, for the three months of the non-second-place competition.

Devoted fans of the sport, recent followers, or just the curious, it's time to navigate the history and this year's program of what is considered one of the toughest sporting challenges.

Come and find out how you can make the most of the 37th America's Cup.

174 years of sailing

It may date back to 1851, but no one thinks it's as old as it is. The America's Cup, or Auld Mug (a term used by the sailing community), is the oldest continuous competition in international sport, but it maintains a vibrant energy, much due to the technological advances and innovation that are directly involved with the boats. It always attracts many yachting fans to the country hosting the competition, who attentively follow, on land or at sea, the race for the cup. This year's edition promises to be one of the most intense in the event's history.

How it all began

An island, two yachts, and a cup. These were the elements involved in the first competition, in 1851. The cup, which we now know as the America's Cup, was called the RYS £100 Cup and was awarded by the British Royal Yacht Squadron. The idea was to race two yachts around the Isle of Wight in the UK, with the winner taking the cup. The New York Yacht Club (NYYC) emerged victorious, aboard the vessel America, which led to the name change to America's Cup in 1857, the year in which the trophy officially passed into the hands of the NYYC.  

The end of the American reign

And because one victory wasn't enough, the NYYC repeated the feat 24 times in a row, retaining the cup until 1983. That year, the American team didn't count on the strong Australian tide knocking them off the podium after 132 years. The Royal Perth Yacht Club won the race, aboard Australia II, and ended the USA's long uninterrupted winning streak.

How does the America's Cup work? 

Initially, only two competitors could take part in the race, the winning team from the last competition and the challenger, who would try to win the trophy. However, in 1970, several challengers signed up, which led to the creation of a selection phase to decide which would be the final team to challenge the reigning champion. This method has been applied in every race since then. The teams entered as challengers compete in three races before the grand finale, with two being eliminated each time until only one remains to face the current cup holder. Fighting for the trophy this year are Emirates Team New Zealand (defending champions), Ineos Britannia, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, NYYC American Magic and Orient Express Racing Team.    

How often does it take place?

The dates of the competition are agreed between the defender and the challenger, and there is no fixed interval between races. It usually takes place every three or four years.

Winning countries

• New Zealand, with 4 wins (1995, 2000, 2017 and 2021). It is the current defending champion;
• United States, with 30 wins (1851-1980, 1987, 1988, 1992, 2010 and 2013);
• Switzerland, with 2 wins (2003 and 2007).
• Australia, with 1 win (1983);

Faster and more powerful boats

They impressed at the 36th America's Cup and are back for this year's edition. The AC75s, considered a technological leap forward compared to conventional boats, have now arrived with their second generation, faster, with wider hydrofoils and numerous improvements. They carry eight crew members and sail four times faster than the wind.

For the Puig Women America's Cup, the Unicredit Youth America's Cup, and the training sessions for the teams competing in the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup, the smaller but equally powerful AC40s will be used. They carry four crew members.

2024 America's Cup calendar

Louis Vuitton Cup:

• Barcelona Preliminary Race - from August 20 to 25
• Double Round Robin - from August 29 to September 11
• Semi-Final - September 14 to 23
• Final - September 26 to October 7

Unicredit Youth America's Cup - September 10-26

Puig Women America's Cup - from September 28 to October 13

Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup:

• Final Race - from October 12 to 27

Where and how can you watch it?

If you're in Barcelona during the event and want to watch the event, you can do so from the Race Village right on the edge of Port Vell, where all the teams' bases are already set up. Another option is to watch the event from the beaches between Port Vell and Port Olímpic, which offer a privileged view of the racing area, with giant screens, viewing platforms, and a hospitality area.

You can watch the races at sea if you have your boat, just by registering it. And if you can't watch it in person, you can follow the live broadcast on the official America's Cup website or Youtube. Social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X) will be constantly updated so you don't miss a second of the competition.

How much does it cost?

You don't have to pay to watch the America's Cup in the Race Village or on the beaches. However, if you want to watch the event from the hospitality area (House of AC37), you will need to buy a ticket. "La Casa" offers a refined and authentic experience.

Explore the world's best-known sailing competition

As well as watching the races, take the opportunity to watch the training sessions and visit the America's Cup Museum to learn more about the world of sailing. The museum is a very immersive and interactive space, with virtual reality simulators and a room where a 10-minute production about the competition is shown, as well as areas with interactive screens that explain the history of the America's Cup.  

If you really want to be at the forefront, watch the America's Cup on a boat of your choice, in a unique and exclusive way.

And while you're in Barcelona, why not do some other activities and enjoy the city to the full? Embark on a catamaran ride at sunset or, if you prefer, enjoy a trip on a sailboat with live jazz.

You don't want to miss one of the world's most exciting sporting events, do you?

Barcelona is waiting for you!

If you want to have other experiences when you visit Barcelona, explore the tours and activities selected for you.

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