When Barcelona’s 2024 America’s Cup took place

• August 27, 2023
• 10:56 am

Barcelona’s 2024 America’s Cup has concluded. This article retains its original publication date and provides a historical reference to the 37th edition, with dates checked against the official 2024 schedule.

Barcelona hosted six teams for the 37th America’s Cup. Preliminary regattas, challenger selection and youth and women’s events formed part of the 2024 programme.

This guide helps place each phase of that edition, whether you already follow the competition or are discovering sailing for the first time.

For activities available now, see our corporate sailing and team regattas in Barcelona. This page does not offer bookings for the 2024 races.

What is the America’s Cup?

The America’s Cup is not just another sailing race; it’s the epitome of yachting excellence and a symbol of maritime heritage. Established in 1851, it’s the oldest international trophy in sporting history. This competition is far more than a series of sailing matches; it’s a complex duel that challenges human skill, teamwork, and technological innovation.

Teams representing countries from around the world work tirelessly for years to compete in what many consider the “pinnacle of yachting.”

Where Was the America’s Cup 2024 Held?

The 37th America’s Cup took place in Barcelona in 2024. The city hosted the August preliminary regatta, challenger selection and the Match for the trophy.

Barcelona’s waterfront was the setting for this edition, bringing together the defender and five challengers.

Which Teams Participated?

These six teams took part in Barcelona 2024:

• Emirates Team New Zealand: The New Zealand defender in Barcelona 2024.
• INEOS Britannia: The UK’s sailing powerhouse, led by Ben Ainslie, the most decorated sailor in Olympic history.
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli: Italy’s sailing jewel, with a history of challenging the Cup and making it to the finals.
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing: Swiss sailing legends, having clinched the Cup twice in the past.
• NYYC American Magic: The U.S. team, representing one of the oldest yacht clubs and a long tradition in the Cup.
• Orient Express Racing Team: France’s newest entry, backed by the luxury travel company Orient Express.

Each team brings its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique strategies, making the competition an unpredictable and thrilling spectacle. Read our historical guide to the America’s Cup teams.

When and Where Were the Preliminary Regattas?

Three preliminary regattas preceded the main Barcelona America’s Cup programme:

• The first took place from 14 to 17 September 2023, in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain.
• The second took place from 29 November to 2 December 2023, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• The third and final preliminary regatta took place from 22 to 25 August 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.

The preliminary regattas gave teams opportunities to race and assess their preparation. The challenger for the Match was selected through the Louis Vuitton Cup.

When Did the America’s Cup 2024 Take Place?

The main phases of the 2024 programme were:

• Louis Vuitton Cup: 29 August to 7 October 2024, the official window including reserve days.
• Youth America’s Cup: 17 to 26 September 2024.
• Puig Women’s America’s Cup: 5 to 13 October 2024.
• 37th America’s Cup Match: from 12 October 2024.

The Match began on 12 October 2024 and concluded with Emirates Team New Zealand’s victory on 19 October 2024 against INEOS Britannia. This page is a historical guide; consult current activities before arranging a trip at sea.