Cup America sailing event introduced in Palermo: Barcellona in August

The region of Catalonia hosts the 37th edition of the America’s Cup, the most important sailing sports event. From August to October, Barcelona is hosting the 2024 America’s Cup, welcoming enthusiasts and experts from around the world. In Palermo, at the Circolo della Vela Sicilia, the Catalonia Tourism Board presented the initiative, giving guests a unique experience with a virtual journey through the wonderful landscapes of Catalonia.
“We are proud,” says Marta Teixidor, director of the Catalonia Tourism Board in Italy, “to host such a prestigious event, which represents an important opportunity for the entire Catalan territory. The competition is expected to have a direct impact of around 1.2 billion euros, thanks to the huge tourism generated by the event. In addition, according to a study by the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, the event will create approximately 19,000 new jobs, from the designation moment to its execution.”
“Italy,” adds Narcis Ferrer, general manager of the Catalan Tourism Agency, “represents a particularly important market for us that is growing year by year. If last year we set a record for arrivals and tourism spending, the first data from 2024 suggest equally significant numbers. Furthermore, with the America’s Cup in Barcelona, we are working to position Catalonia as a 360-degree tourist destination. With the America’s Cup, we aim to bring a different type of tourism to Barcelona, more quality-driven, responsible, and integrated with the city. That is why, for the first time, the fan zone will be directly on the beach. The goal is to actively engage tourists and residents in the competition.”
“We are particularly honored,” explains Agostino Randazzo, president of the Circolo della Vela Sicilia, “that the Catalonia Tourism Board has chosen Palermo and our club to present the 37th America’s Cup. With other historic clubs, we will participate in Luna Rossa’s adventure in this edition, which will certainly leave its mark in the hundred-year history of the trophy. Barcelona is a beautiful city that will attract enthusiasts from around the world.”
The city’s greeting was given by Alessandro Anello, councilor for Tourism and Sports of the Municipality of Palermo, who recalled the maritime traditions of the area and the sports activities related to the sea, starting from the sailing regatta Palermo-Montecarlo, whose 19th edition will take place in August.
Catalonia has a long-standing tradition of maritime activities and nautical tourism. Its coasts, washed by the Mediterranean Sea, measure about 580 kilometers and 60% of its over seven million inhabitants live in coastal municipalities. The event involves public administrations and private companies, which have been working together for over a year to carry out the project.
The America’s Cup is the oldest sailing sports trophy in the world. Its rules date back to 1857 when shipowner George L. Shuyler of the schooner America drafted the Deed of Gift, the set of rules governing the sailing race, which have been modified over the years to adapt to various changes. The opening ceremony will take place on August 22, 2024, in the historic port of Villanova i la Geltrù, where the boats and the six competing teams will dock: Ineos Britannia, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, Nyyc American Magic, Orient Express Racing Team, and the current Cup defender, Emirates Team New Zealand. For the first time in its almost 175-year history, the America’s Cup in Barcelona will include categories reserved for women and youth. The UniCredit Youth & Puig Women’s America’s Cup will be held on foil monohulls, the AC 40, the same boat used by young sailors, who will compete for the third time. Barcelona, Catalonia, and Spain will be represented in the women’s and youth categories by the Sail Team BCN, led by Guillermo Altadill.
Presentata a Palermo la Coppa America di vela: appuntamento ad agosto a Barcellona
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