Guide to the America’s Cup in Barcelona: What you need to know

The America’s Cup has landed in Barcelona. The most prestigious competition in the sailing world starts August 22 with a preliminary regatta between the six participating teams, which will be decided on August 25.

The preliminary regatta is the stage prior to the official competition: Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup will get underway on August 29. This competition will decide who takes on Team New Zealand — the current Defender of the title — in the grand final. This year’s America’s Cup will also include for the first time a women’s competition and a youth competition, with races that can be seen from different points along the beach and coastline.

What is the America’s Cup sailing competition?

Considered the oldest sporting competition in the world (the first edition dates back to 1851), the competition is a “challenge” between countries (represented by a yacht club) that awards the best sailing team in the world. Each edition is organized by the winner of the previous edition (known as the Defender) and, as the winner of the America’s Cup in 2021, Team New Zealand has the power to decide the location, date, rules and design of the boats for the current edition. As the Defender, it will compete directly in the final race (known as the Match).

How many teams are participating?

In this edition, only six. In addition to Team New Zealand, the competition includes Ineos Britannia (Great Britain), Luna Rossa (Italy), Alinghi Red Bull Racing (Switzerland), American Magic (U.S.) and Orient Express (France).

Why is there a preliminary regatta?

The preliminary regatta is the first competitive test to assess the level of each team. A trophy is awarded, but it has no value for the America’s Cup. The regatta — held between August 22 and 25 — is the first time that the teams compete in their AC75, the 75-foot (23-meter) sailboat that must be used under the competition’s regulations. Two more preliminary races were held previously: one in Vilanova i la Geltrú, which was won by American Magic; and another in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), where Team New Zealand won; although these races were contested with the AC40, a smaller boat.

What is the format of the America’s Cup?

After the preliminary regatta (with no competitive value), the America’s Cup is set up in two phases: the first, a qualifying competition (the Louis Vuitton Cup) in a one-on-one format which will decide the four semi-finalists. All teams race against each other twice, with each win earning one point. Team New Zealand — which qualifies directly for the Match — also competes against every other team, but does not score points. Four teams qualify and the last team is eliminated. The team with the best final entry chooses its opponent in the semi-finals. The winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup will face Team New Zealand, the Defender, in the Final Match. The team that manages to win seven races is named the winner of the America’s Cup and will be the Defender of the next edition.

When does it take place?

The Louis Vuitton Cup (the preliminary phase) starts on August 29: the semi-finals will take place between September 14 and 19, and the final between September 26 and October 5. The final Match will be held from October 12 and will come to an end when one team reaches the required seven victories. Most of the regattas start at approximately 2 p.m. The youth competition will be held from September 17 to 26 and the women’s competition — which features 12 teams (the six America’s Cup teams and six other invited teams, including Sail Team BCN) — will take place from October 5 to 13.

Where can I watch the regattas?

The race course is located outside the breakwaters at the entrance to the port. The competition can be watched from almost the entire coast of Barcelona. There are also fanzones in Plaça del Mar and Bogatell. The America’s Cup Race Village — which has large screens following the races — is located along the Moll de la Fusta. It opens at noon and closes around 10 p.m., depending on the day.

The competition can also be watched online at the America’s Cup website, Facebook and YouTube.

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