Attending the America’s Cup

The action is hotting up in the Spanish city of Barcelona as the America’s Cup teams take to the water in the lead up to the grand finale of the 37th America’s Cup in October 2024. Burgess takes a look behind the scenes to bring you everything you need to know about the this edition of the iconic sailing event which promises to be one of the most exciting in the cup’s 174 year history.

An overview

Picture, if you will, the spectacle of two huge multihull racing yachts with wing masts as they sprint towards the start line at speeds of up to 70 mph. The power and spectacle of these magnificent space-like vessels is like nothing else you can see on the water. Providing highly competitive racing and an unforgettable experience to watch, the event draws thousands to view the series of warm-up races that lead up to the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Final in October in the defender-versus-challenger contest – with no second prize. This year, the city of Barcelona has been chosen to host the cup, marking the first time the America’s Cup has been hosted in the Catalan capital and the return of the event to Europe after 14 years away.

A look back at the America's Cup

With a history and pedigree like no other in the world of yacht racing, the America’s Cup is believed to be the oldest trophy in sport, and one of the the hardest to win. With a rich heritage and tradition dating all the way back to 1851, the America’s Cup was first competed for off the coast of England, when the only yacht fast enough to beat the best of the British fleet was the schooner America, and so began the America’s Cup. In the event’s 174 year history only three nations other than the United States have won the challenge.

America's Cups gone by: Reflecting on the highlights

Now in its 37th series, the trophy is currently held by Emirates Team New Zealand who, in 2021, defeated Oracle Team USA to win the cup on behalf of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. With four America’s Cup wins under their belts, Emirates Team New Zealand have now successfully challenged and defended the cup twice, becoming the greatest modern America’s Cup team since the 132 year domination of the cup by the New York Yacht Club.

The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup 2024

The America’s Cup takes place over an intense three months with a series of races leading up to the grand finale: The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match in October. The event sees the cream of the competitive yacht racing fraternity fight it out to see who is deemed most worthy to challenge the reigning champion, and steal the coveted trophy.

When is the 2024 America’s Cup?

All six America’s Cup teams, including the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, will race their AC75s in the Barcelona Preliminary Regatta from the 22–25 August, with the two fastest teams then competing in a winner takes all final on the fourth day of racing. The Louis Vuitton Round Robins will then take place between 29 August and 8 September, when the five challenging teams – INEOS Britannia, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, NYYC American Magic, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and Orient Express Racing Team – will battle it out to earn a place first in the Louis Vutton Cup Semi Finals from 14–19 September, and then followed by the Louis Vuitton Cup Final from 26 September–5 October. The overall winning team of the Louis Vuitton Cup will then challenge the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the best of 13-race Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match from 12–21 October.

Why is the America’s Cup in Barcelona?

The Catalan city was chosen as the venue for the 37th America’s Cup because of its world-class sailing facilities, including a modern harbour and extensive marina facilities, and a favourable climate for sailing from later summer through to early autumn. As one of the most recognised cities in the world, the hope is that the event will attract greater numbers of spectators and grow the event as a bigger player on the global sporting stage. With the race area, marina and America’s Cup Village all located close to the waterfront and beach, the iconic sporting event will also be accessible to a large number of spectators, increasing its profile.

Tick off your Barcelona Bucket List with a Mediterranean yacht charter 

The cosmopolitan city of Barcelona is well known for its balmy climate, modernist architecture, vibrant Catalan culture, fine dining and nightlife. Spend a few days discovering the glamorous and quirky city during a Mediterranean yacht charter. Tick a few boxes off your bucket list with a visit to Gaudi’s masterpieces – the Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló – before also heading to the lesser-known sites of Sant Pau Recinto Modernista or to one of the fantastic museums. Take advantage of the city’s sunny climate and head to the beach for a long lunch, or spend an afternoon exploring the boutiques and markets in ancient streets. 

Soak up the sun in Bogatell Beach

Barcelona has nearly three miles of golden sandy beaches, ranging from urban city beaches to sandy bays and rocky coves. Barceloneta is the most urban, with its palm tree-lined sidewalk and beach bars with a buzzy vibe. For less-crowded stretches of sand head east of Barcelona to the Poblenou district. Home to a trio of beaches – Bogatell, Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella – they provide ample space, plenty of watersports options and a few restaurants and bars. Bogatell is the liveliest, with chiringuitos (beach bars) for sunset cocktails, while neighbouring Mar Bella is notably for nudists. Nova Mar Bella is the widest and most laidback – and the best for families.

Discover La Boquiera Market

One of the most impressive food markets in the Mediterranean, La Boqueria began as a huddle of meat stalls back in the year 1217. Today the stalls that line La Rambla offer foodies a choice of just about everything they could desire. From locally grown vegetables to seafood, and local specialities such as botifarra (spicy sausage) and turró (nougat), a stroll through the technicoloured stalls is a feast for the senses. La Boquiera Market is open all day, allowing for bar-stool lunches at the stalls turned eateries.

Why invest in a weekend yacht rental?

Charter a yacht through Burgess to enjoy front row seats of the 37th America’s Cup competition in Barcelona. At the heart of the competition is the America’s Cup Village, where a number of yachts have secured exclusive berths. Watch the pre-race action unfold in the village before heading out to the racecourse on to designated spectator areas along the 1.7 nautical mile long racecourse, pre-reserved for you by your yacht captain. Races throughout the final three weeks of sailing take place in the afternoon between 14:00 and 16:00, and a superyacht is the perfect viewing platform.

Whether you are looking to enjoy the entire three weeks of racing or looking for a week-long charter, Burgess offers a wide variety of customisable packages, tailored to suit your preferences. The event promises to be a spectacle with entertainment both from the teams on the water and on shore, with exclusive events throughout.

Ready to attend the 2024 America’s Cup with Burgess? Speak to a member of the Burgess charter team today.

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.