Barcelona has the wind in its sails
Several months ago, Barcelona was selected to hold the 37th America’s Cup. The regatta, to be held in August 2024, is considered to be the most prestigious regatta worldwide. It is also the sports event has the 3rd greatest economic impact on the city in which it is held. In fact, it is estimated that no less than 1 billion euros will be invested in and around Barcelona as a result of the event. It should be noted that there will be three different contests: the America’s Cup, the Women’s America’s Cup, and the Youth America’s Cup.
Barcelona Capital Nàutica, opening the sea up to all
The fact that the America’s Cup is being held is Barcelona cannot be put down to chance; it is the result of the hard work of, amongst others, the Fundació Barcelona Capital Nàutica. With the tagline We open up the sea to all, Barcelona Capital Nàutica seeks to promote the city of Barcelona as a Mediterranean sporting capital. The initial aim of the foundation, founded in 2005 and originally named Fundació Navegació Oceànica de Barcelona (FNOB), was to promote ocean sailing, but it does a great deal more than that. By promoting sport, sustainability, the blue economy, and maritime culture, it has turned Barcelona into a European benchmark for sailing.
The involvement of those living in Barcelona
Although Barcelona has a long-standing passion for the sea and sailing, the focus of the foundation since the arrival of the America’s Cup has been to help all the bodies involved to work together in order to position Barcelona internationally as a benchmark for sailing. As mentioned above, however, Barcelona already has a deep-rooted relationship with the sport, as well as experience of large-scale maritime events. The foundation now has the wind in its sails and is doing all it can to promote the city. Barcelona Capital Náutica is currently looking for internationally-minded volunteers who are keen to play their part in helping to make the 37th America’s Cup a success. Anyone is welcome to apply.
Furthermore, there will also be workshops on topics such as first aid and marine meteorology at the Club del Navegant sailing school. These workshops, together with “22 days in 22 feet, solo across the Atlantic, 2023,” and educational program for children highlights the foundation’s emphasis on education and maritime culture. It should also be noted that the foundation offers a university scholarship which enables award-holders to compete in the RC Sailing Challenge regatta. If there is one thing Barcelona Capital Náutica has made clear, in addition to its love of the sea, it is its unwavering commitment to young people.
A long-established history of sailing competitions in Barcelona
The first Conde de Godó Sailing Trophy took place in 1974 and was followed fifteen years later, in 1989, by the Zegna Sailing Trophy, held until 2007, and the Freixenet Sailing Regatta in 1999. All these events were organized by organized by the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona. Competitions organized by Barcelona Capital Naútica include three Barcelona World Race events, which took place in 2007, 2010 and 2014, the New York-Barcelona Regatta in 2010, and the Barcelona leg of the 2009 Istanbul Europa Race.
Barcelona has a long and fascinating history of sailing that is proof of the close connection between the city of Barcelona and the Mediterranean. With these following winds, the city of Barcelona is on course towards becoming not only a Mediterranean but also a global benchmark for sailing.
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