Hold onto your hats — the America’s Cup is set to take Barcelona by storm this summer. The Spanish city is hosting the 37th edition of the world’s oldest international sporting competition.
Six teams — made up of the world’s finest sailors — will compete across a series of races to claim the America’s Cup trophy, culminating in a week-long regatta in October. Each team will drive their own AC75 foiling monohull yacht, the fastest of its kind on the planet, capable of reaching top speeds of 50 knots (or 58 mph).
Ready to get up close to the most exhilarating sailing competition on the planet? Here’s our whistlestop guide to the America’s Cup 2024.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Anton Petrus. Image Location: Croatia
Where is the America’s Cup held in 2024?
Barcelona, Spain will host this year’s America’s Cup. It is the only city in the world that has hosted both an Olympic Games and an America’s Cup event, thanks to its state-of-the-art harbor and world-class sailing conditions — especially during the summer and fall. However, it’s not the first time Spain has hosted the America’s Cup. 2007 saw the 32nd edition held in Valencia, just 218 miles down the coast.
When is the America’s Cup 2024?
This year, the America’s Cup will run between Thursday August 22nd and Sunday October 20th, 2024.
First up, the Preliminary Regattas will take place from August 22nd to the 25th. These are a string of warm-up events ahead of the Louis Vuitton Challenger Selection Series. The latter takes place from August 29th to October 5th, where five teams will race against each other to see who will compete against last year’s defending champions: Emirates New Zealand.
Finally, the most important week is October 12th to the 21st, when the Challenger Selection Series winner will go to battle against Emirates New Zealand.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Barcelona, Spain
Which teams will be competing in the America’s Cup 2024?
Six teams will go head-to-head to win the 173-year-old trophy:
- Emirates New Zealand (New Zealand)
- INEOS Britannia (UK)
- Alinghi Red Bull Racing (Switzerland)
- Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (Italy)
- NYYC American Magic (USA)
- Orient Express Racing Team (France)
What’s the best way to watch the America’s Cup in Barcelona?
Port Vell, right in the heart of the city, is where all the action will take place. Soak up the atmosphere in the Race Village where giant screens will show every event; plus, there will be street food stands, bars, and the main stage where the sailors’ presentations and interviews will take place. And the best part? Entry is completely free.
There will also be screens set up on the beaches between Port Vell and Port Olímpic. So, you don’t have to leave your sun lounger to watch the action in real time.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Barcelona, Spain
How to enjoy Barcelona during the America’s Cup
If you can tear yourself away from the waterfront, there’s so much to see in Barcelona.
Start with La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi’s iconic cathedral. It’s a must-visit, as is Park Güell: Gaudi’s architectural garden packed with jewel-colored mosaic sculptures.
If you’d rather stick to the sports theme, hop on the Metro to Camp Nou — FC Barcelona's home stadium. Walk the hallowed grounds that were once home to soccer legends like Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho Gaúcho.
You can’t leave Barcelona without digging into its world-renowned food scene. From Michelin-star restaurants to tapas joints, there’s something for all budgets.
Splash out on a tasting menu at Enoteca Paco Pérez, a two Michelin-star restaurant, just north of Port Vell; or, pop into La Plata for pan-fried anchovies and pincho de butifarra (otherwise known as the perfect pork sausage), best paired with a glass of zesty cava.
What’s the best way to travel to Barcelona for the America’s Cup?
Spain is incredibly well connected by train — and Barcelona is no exception. You can fly into the international airport, Barcelona-El Prat, and then take the Metro to Drassanes. From here, Port Vell is just 15 minutes away on foot.
Alternatively, fly into Spain’s capital city — Madrid — and catch a high-speed train to Barcelona in just 2h 30min. Check out the Trainline app for the best train ticket deals and by-the-minute service updates. So, what are you waiting for? Get sailing to Barcelona with Trainline today!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, alekseystemmer. Image Location: Latvia
Disclaimer: Trainline is not a sponsor of any of the sporting events or teams referenced in this article.
