37th America's Cup
Louis Vuitton - Barcelona
THE RACE WITH NO SECOND PLACE
The America's Cup originated in 1851 when the yacht "America" won a race around the Isle of Wight in England, beating British competitors. The trophy, named the America's Cup after the winning yacht, was then donated to the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) and became the prize for a sailing race. The Cup has since been defended and challenged numerous times, making it the oldest international trophy in sport.
The New York Yacht Club, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, held the trophy for 132 years before losing it in 1983 to Australia. Since then, the Cup has only been won by teams from the United States, Switzerland, and New Zealand. The current Defender of the America's Cup is Emirates Team New Zealand, representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
Defender Selection
The America's Cup follows a match racing format, where two yachts, typically monohulls, race against each other in a series of races. The defending yacht represents the yacht club that currently holds the Cup (known as the Defender), while the challenging yacht represents the club that is attempting to take the Cup away.
Challenger Selection Series
Prior to the America's Cup match itself, there is often a series of races known as the Challenger Selection Series or Louis Vuitton Cup (when sponsored by Louis Vuitton). This series determines which challenger will compete against the defender in the America's Cup match.
The Types of Yachts
The types of yachts used in the America's Cup have evolved over time, reflecting advancements in yacht design, materials, and technology.
AC75 Class: The most recent development in America's Cup yacht design is the AC75 class. They are high-performance foiling monohulls with a length of approximately 75 feet. These yachts feature innovative designs, including a unique twin-skin mainsail system and adjustable foil arms that enable them to foil above the water at high speeds.
AC72 Class: In the 34th edition of the America's Cup in 2013, the AC72 class was introduced, featuring foiling catamarans with a length of approximately 72 feet (22 meters). These yachts were capable of remarkable speeds, reaching over 40 knots (around 46 mph or 74 km/h) in optimal conditions. The AC72 class marked a significant departure from traditional monohull yachts and showcased the potential for foiling technology in America's Cup racing.
Experience Beautiful Barcelona
Positioned in the vibrant surroundings of Port Vell Barcelona plays host to the sailing world, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most thrilling America’s Cups in the event’s 174-year history. All team headquarters are nestled within the Port Vell vicinity, encircled by the bustling America’s Cup Race Village, ready to welcome tens of thousands of spectators each day.
The racecourse, strategically located just beyond the port entrance breakwaters provides an optimal viewing experience. Serving as the heart of the action, the America’s Cup Race Village offers spectators the chance to fully immerse themselves in the exhilarating atmosphere of the event.
