The Catalonian port city of Vilanova i la Geltrú has been named the host venue for the first preliminary America's Cup regatta taking place between 14-17th September 2023.
Located 45 kilometres southwest of the America's Cup Barcelona venue, the preliminary event will host both fleet and match-racing with representatives from each of the six confirmed AC37 entries.
However, in contrast to the use of AC75 models for the America's Cup, the preliminary regatta will be sailed in a fleet of AC40’s, as will be used for the Youth and Women’s America’s Cups. This will see the boats equally matched and the winner will be decided on sailing technique and foiling race-craft.
America’s Cup Event CEO Grant Dalton said the port was "perfectly set up" for the event and explained that Pendennis' Vilanova facilities will "serve as the technical area which will host the team bases".
In addition to the Club Nàutic Vilanova, event facility La Daurada will provide more than 10,000 square metres overlooking the regatta course for both press and hospitality functions. The race will also be available for viewing through a dedicated free-to-air America's Cup television production, showcasing the region to a global audience.
According to Eduard Torres from Barcelona Tourism, the selection of Vilanova i la Geltrú for the regatta reflects the importance of the Barcelona brand in serving as a "gateway" to "promote and give maximum projection to the dynamism and vitality of an entire territory dedicated to the sea and sailing".
Daniel Puig, president of the executive committee for the Fundació Barcelona Capital Nàutica added: "We can say that the Preliminary Regatta in Vilanova is the first milestone of the America's Cup Arrival Projects Plan that we are working on together with all the administrations and the private sector so that Barcelona and Catalonia become world sailing capitals with the maximum positive impact for citizens.”
The 37th America's Cup Barcelona 2024 is scheduled to take place between Saturday 12 October and Sunday October 20, with two races held on each official day of the regatta.
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