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Credit: Marina Port Vell

How to watch the America’s Cup from a front row seat

4 September 2024 • Written by Hannah Rankine for Marina Port Vell

Soak up all the action of the world’s most anticipated sailing event at one of Spain’s most prized superyacht marinas.

Located in the heart of Barcelona, Marina Port Vell is the designated Preferred Superyacht Marina for the America’s Cup. This premier status is no surprise, given its strategic location – just a five-minute walk from the city centre and a 15-minute drive from the airport – and its 151 berths that can accommodate vessels up to 150 metres LOA, including 60 designated for superyachts.

From 22 August to 27 October, Marina Port Vell will be the epicentre of exclusive activities and experiences, under the theme “The Superyacht Marina Experience, the most exclusive atmosphere”. The marina serves as the home base for the British challenger, INEOS Britannia, and visitors will also be able to catch views of the Swiss team. The America’s Cup Experience, an immersive exhibition that delves into the event’s rich history, is just a few minutes from the marina and is a must-see.

Credit: Marina Port Vell

Visitors will be treated to a gourmet culinary experience throughout the competition. The Sea Garden space will be transformed into a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant where diners can indulge in a specially curated menu while watching live coverage of the races on a screen and the restaurant’s sea-view terraces. For those seeking vibrant nightlife, the Blue Wave will feature DJ sets while serving an array of cocktails and cold tapas. The Möet & Chandon Terrace will offer a more formal setting with oysters, champagne and panoramic views, while the Estrella Damm Lounge, located in front of The Gallery building, will provide a more casual atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy the event.

Marina Port Vell has curated an exclusive range of experiences designed to elevate the America’s Cup experience for its guests. The VIP On-Board Experience allows guests to watch the competition on board a Wajer 38 or Wajer 55, each accommodating up to 10 people. Additionally, two VIP areas within the marina will offer the perfect vantage point for the races, paired with exquisite cuisine, concierge services and a live broadcast of the competition. An exhibition on the Catalan Patí will celebrate the region’s maritime heritage, while a striking entrance display will greet visitors with a design inspired by waves and sails.

Credit: Wajer

For those with a penchant for luxury shopping, the marina will host exclusive boutiques featuring renowned brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Maui Jim sunglasses and INEOS Grenadier. The official Marina Port Vell boutique, located in The Gallery, will offer America’s Cup merchandise, including items from all competing teams, and there will also be an exclusive collection in collaboration with luxury fashion store Santa Eulalia on Paseo de Gracia.

Whether you’re celebrating a special event, hosting a social gathering or focusing on personal wellness, the marina offers world-class facilities. The Gallery stands out architecturally, designed to reflect the grandeur of a superyacht. Home to offices and exclusive services, its design was recognised with the British FX Award in 2015.

Superyacht owners and their crews deserve an experience that goes beyond the ordinary – one that captures the essence of true luxury and attention to detail. At Marina Port Vell, this philosophy is at the heart of everything its team does. With state-of-the-art facilities and a team committed to excellence, it’s evident from the moment guests arrive that this marina is designed not just to meet their needs but to anticipate them.

Credit: Marina Port Vell

The city offers a wealth of things to see and do for those looking to extend their stay around the Cup. “What I love about Barcelona is that it truly has something for everyone,” says Ignacio Erroz, general manager at Marina Port Vell. “If I had to pick one must-do experience in Barcelona, it would be a walk through the Gràcia neighbourhood or the old town of Sarrià, away from the tourist circuits, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the locals and the true Barcelona.”

As the racing competition unfolds over two months, Marina Port Vell is set to become a bustling hub of activity, welcoming more than 110 superyachts, 2,500 owners and guests, 1,500 crew members and thousands of visitors. All this follows a major €20 million transformation project taking place from 2021 to July 2024. This involved reorganising the water surface area, upgrading landscaping and installing an upgraded fuel system. “We’ve also introduced a strong ESG strategy and recently set up a dedicated concierge department to better serve our guests,” Erroz adds. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to position Barcelona as a leading Mediterranean superyacht hub.

To book a berth at Marina Port Vell during the America’s Cup, contact the marina today.

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