Ahoy! The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup weighs anchor in Barcelona this month
Barcelona is used to hosting glamorous events but this autumn the city is in for something really special. The Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, the prestige sailing event held every four years, has come to town.
As current holders of the cup, Team Emirates New Zealand had the right to decide where this year’s event would be held. They chose Barcelona and for good reason. Great weather, a fantastic Mediterranean location and that special Catalonian vibe you only find in this beautiful city.
Famously summed up in the historic line: “There is no second,” the event isn’t just a thrilling oceanic spectacle but a showcase of sailing’s best talent and technological design. Race followers will already know the action has been underway at Port Vell since late August, with the preliminary knock-out rounds of the competition happening alongside three other major events: Unicredit Youth America’s Cup, Puig Women’s America’s Cup and the Louis Vuitton Cup.
The America’s Cup is considered the oldest team trophy in international sports, with the first race happening in 1851. An American schooner called ‘America’ caused a stir when she arrived in Britain to take part in the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Annual Regatta off the south coast. Watched by Queen Victoria, ‘America’ won a major race against 15 other vessels around the Isle of Wight and was the first to win what was then called the £100 Cup. Subsequently renamed The America’s Cup, it’s become one of the most hotly contested, difficult and expensive trophies to capture.
The exciting final of the America’s Cup features just two teams and runs over several days from 12th to 27th October. In line with tradition, the defending cup holders, currently Emirates Team New Zealand, are guaranteed a place in the final. Who they go up against is still being decided in a complicated competition, with the ultimate winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup, a separate event, going forward to the America’s Cup final.
Five international teams were in competition for this sought-after place, with big-name sponsors including Orient Express and Red Bull. Three teams were excluded, leaving the two semi-finalists, INEOS Britannia and Luna Rossi Prada Pirelli, to battle it out. INEOS Britannia emerged victorious on 4th October as winner of the Louis Vuitton Cip and ready to challenge the current champions in the main America’s Cup event.
This year could be history-making with the INEOS Britannia team skippered by British sailing legend, Sir Ben Ainslie, trying to bring the trophy back to Britain for the first time in the competition’s history. It already looks like a nail-biting fight to see who rules the waves, and everyone in Barcelona can get a front row seat. What a spectacular way to spend the end of the Spanish summer.
Where to watch the America’s Cup
America’s Cup Village
Those of us who aren’t a mariner or millionaire can still have a piece of the action. The Race Village along Moll de la Fusta at Port Vell, is a free, fun and action-packed place to feel the buzz and learn all you can about the event. It’s a popular place to see the teams and the cutting-edge catamarans close up; to hang out in one of the open-air cafes or bars, and watch the screened races in the fanzones.
Antares Barcelona (residents & their guests)
Where better than to catch a glimpse of America’s Cup action than the highest roof terrace in Barcelona? Antares Barcelona’s Sky Terrace provides an exclusive viewing platform with panoramic sea views for residents to watch all the waterborne action. So, grab a lounger, dial in some drinks and food from the on-site restaurant, and settle down for the spectacle.
Hotel Arts
The luxury hotel close to Port Olimpic marina is converting one of its meeting rooms into a viewing space for the race. Access is available via a special event package.
Barceloneta Beach
A perfect, publicly accessible spot to see the event. Throw down a beach towel and you have a ringside seat.
W Barcelona Hotel
This smart, waterfront hangout has a premium view of the event course from its SALT Beach Club.
Charter a boat
Not the cheapest option but perhaps the best way of being close to the action. Taking a boat trip out to the competition course will let you see the racing first-hand.
