Organisers of the 37th America's Cup have confirmed the dates and scheduled for the 2024 regatta. Taking place in Barcelona, the event will kick off on Saturday 12 October and wrap up on Sunday October 20, with two races held on each official day of the regatta.
Official racing days are on the 12, 13, 19 and 20 October. The Women’s America’s Cup Regatta Final will be held on October 16, while October 18 will serve as a spare race day. There are a further three days marked as reserve race days, which can be used at the discretion of organisers dependent on weather and water conditions.
Organisers have also said that there is provision for racing to continue into the following week from October 21 through to October 27 if required.
Speaking about the format announcement, Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Events Limited said: “This is a significant event to plan for, with safety concerns at the top of the list for both spectators and competitors. I think the result is going to be something pretty spectacular."
The news comes after Barcelona was named as the host of the America’s Cup in March. The city was chosen for a variety of reasons, including its racing facilities, technical infrastructure and large on-shore area for hosting spectators, hospitality and media. The region also benefits from 9-15 knots of wind during the September race window, making it ideal regatta conditions.
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is the current holder and Trustee of the America’s Cup. “Barcelona holds a very special place in New Zealand’s sailing history and we remember with pride the success of our 1992 Olympic Games sailing team and four medal result," said commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Aaron Young.
This year will be the first time the event has been held in Barcelona, making the city the first venue to host both an Olympic Games and an America's Cup. The 2024 event will also be the first edition to include a specific Women’s America’s Cup regatta.
Read More/Where to stay and what to do in Barcelona