The regatta area, both for the Challenger Selection Series (series of challenger selection regattas) and for the Copa América (the duel between the defender and the challenger), has been agreed with the Barcelona Maritime Captain and is located to the south from the city, along the beach of Barcelona, offering spectators a perfect natural platform along the coast.
A permanent exclusion zone has been agreed for the duration of the regattas to ensure the safety of both the competitors and the expected daily influx of spectator boats who will want to see the AC75 and AC40 up close. But for those on land, and depending on the conditions, the regattas could be seen just a few hundred meters from the beach, and with the grandstands and fan areas planned, Barcelona will be ready to welcome the world in this America’s Cup.
The date of the Women’s America’s Cup Regatta final has also been confirmed, which will be seen in prime time, just after the fifth race of the Match, on October 16, 2024, giving the women’s event more coverage and a significant profile. By competing in the brand new, uniquely designed AC40 class, the sailors who make it to the Women’s America’s Cup Final will undoubtedly be among the finest in the world when it comes to foiling, and will showcase a clear path to the future of the Copa América.
The regattas of the Copa América proper, which will be held in the best of 13 (the first to win seven wins), will begin on Saturday, October 12, with two scheduled races, followed by another two on Sunday, October 13, 2024. Racing will be halted for two days, although at the Race Director’s discretion and after consultation with the Defender and Challenger, and depending on conditions, both days could be used to complete two daily races. The scheduled schedule, using neither Monday nor Tuesday, would resume on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 with a Match race (race 5), followed by the Women’s America’s Cup Regatta Final, as mentioned above.
Thursday 17 October is not officially scheduled for racing but again, subject to the Race Director’s discretion and agreement with competitors, it could be allocated for two more races depending on conditions, while Friday 18 October 2024 is officially marked as a “Reserve Day” for up to two more regattas. Saturday October 19 and Sunday October 20, 2024 are also “reserve days” to play two events each day, if necessary.
The Event Authority’s goal is for the regattas to conclude on the weekend of October 19/20, 2024, although the calendar allows regattas to continue the following week, from October 21, 2024 to October 27, 2024. if required.
Commenting on the format announcement, Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Events Limited, commented: “We are very happy to confirm the dates that define the regatta period for the Match and we are very grateful to the Maritime Captain and the Port of Barcelona authority for being so proactive and responsive throughout the process. It is a great event that requires significant planning. , since safety is the first thing that must be taken into account, both for the spectators and for the competitors. I think that the result will certainly be spectacular, since the regattas will take place in front of the beach, from the main entrance of the port, passing Port Olímpic and further east, giving the public a fantastic opportunity to see these extraordinary ships in full swing.”
