Next year marks the 37th edition of the America’s Cup. From August to October, the world’s most talented sailors will descend on Barcelona in a bid to win the oldest and most prestigious trophy in sport – the Auld Mug.
For superyachts willing to come and soak in all the action, Marina Port Vell has partnered with the America’s Cup as the Preferred Superyacht Marina. Located in the centre of the city, the marina is primed to act as the epicentre for the superyacht community during next year’s competition. BOAT takes a closer look at Marina Port Vell and explores what visiting superyachts can expect.
An unbeatable location and a leading infrastructure in the Mediterranean
Found beside Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Marina Port Vell’s central location is just a stroll away from Barcelona’s Michelin-starred restaurants, lively cocktail bars and cultural sights. It attracts yachts over 60 meters in length due to its market experience and is perceived as a preferred destination for superyachts thanks to its strategic location and high-end facilities.
Marina Port Vell is constantly adapting its facilities to offer the highest quality and services. Two years ago, the marina presented a new positioning and investment project valued at €20 million. This project responds to the marina’s desire to specialise in the superyacht segment. This impulse to adapt even more to the needs of the different audiences - owners, captains and crew - will allow the marina to improve the infrastructure and make it more innovative, competitive, efficient and sustainable. This work, which has already begun and will be finished by the end of the year, will allow the marina to further its specialisation in superyachts with 23 new berths of up to 70 metres in length. The refurbishing of the marina has also contemplated a landscaping project, which will introduce elements with vegetation, making it a warmer and more welcoming gateway to the city.
Marina Port Vell as the Preferred Superyacht Marina for the 37th America’s Cup
Marina Port Vell is an infrastructure with a unique and unbeatable location with security and premium services. Next to the regatta course, the official organiser of the event has designated it as the Preferred Superyacht Marina for the 37th America's Cup.
The marina is also recognised as a key yachting hub, providing close access to some of the most pre-eminent companies and service providers in this field. Being one of only a handful of eco-conscious marinas, during the competition the marina will offer 110 berths for superyachts. In fact, more than 60 large yachts have already requested mooring in its facilities to attend this sporting event, further strengthening the positioning of the city of Barcelona as a hub for superyachts in the Mediterranean and as a reference destination in this industry.
In Barcelona, you can already feel the atmosphere of the America’s Cup. The city has started the countdown for its celebration with all the teams already installed since July. Specifically, the British team INEOS Britannia has been installed at the Spanish dock, next to the old IMAX cinema, and accesses the sea through the Marina Port Vell facilities, which will also make two piers available to them from where they will operate their boat.
Moreover, just close to the Spanish Dock, the America’s Cup Experience has opened its doors for visitors where fans and guests can learn about the history of the America's Cup sailing regatta, the rules, the teams and the secrets of the technology that makes the boats fly over the water.
Premium services and exclusive shopping area
Marina Port Vell will host dozens of superyachts that will visit Barcelona for the 37th America's Cup. With the aim of offering a unique and memorable experience to customers, the marina has appointed a team focused on providing high, value-added services and plans to multiply its resources to meet the expected high demand.
Regarding the gastronomic offer, Marina Port Vell Barcelona has signed an agreement with the triple Michelin-starred chefs and brothers of Hermanos Torres to offer a unique dining experience in the marina during the 2024 regatta period. This agreement combines the world-renowned culinary expertise of Hermanos Torres with the sophistication and excellence of the services offered by the marina.
Marina Port Vell will also set up a sophisticated shopping experience that includes an exclusive boutique to offer official merchandising of the 37th America’s Cup Regatta in a premium environment.
A schedule of exclusive events
During the competition, the privileged spaces for marina events will host important celebrations and special events with unique views of Port Vell, the city and the competition ambiance.
With interest from leading international brands as well as visiting superyacht owners, these events will be held at the marina’s award-winning, waterfront event spaces. This includes its flagship space The Sea Garden, The Blue Wave, which was awarded Best Bar in the World by the prestigious Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in 2016, and The Gallery, which has been recently refurbished.
For all the top brands that want to celebrate events in the marina, the team has created special ad hoc experiences so that attendees can live the America’s Cup ambiance. Companies can take a leisurely ride through the harbour to observe the teams up close or opt for a guided tour of the team bases and experience the daily excitement firsthand. They have also the opportunity to acquire exclusive America’s Cup limited edition merchandise, among others.
“We’re already working together with the America’s Cup organisation to make this edition the best in the entire history of the competition,” says Ignacio Erroz, CEO of Marina Port Vell. “All our efforts are aimed at offering the best services to our customers and guests.”
If you’re interested in berthing your superyacht during the America’s Cup, you can contact Marina Port Vell to book your berth here.
Sponsored content created for Marina Port Vell