The America’s Cup is the oldest active trophy in international sports and sailing’s pinnacle competition. Yacht clubs representing different nations compete for the trophy in a match race format. The defender, chosen by the previous winner, competes against the challenger in a best of 13 series, with the first to win seven races taking home the Cup.
The Cup was initially named after the winning yacht, the America, and has a rich history of prestigious winners like New Zealand, the United States, Switzerland, and Australia. This year, Team New Zealand is defending their title against Ineos Britannia, the first British challenger in decades.
Ineos Britannia, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ben Ainslie, has invested heavily in their boat with the help of engineers from the Formula One team Mercedes. Both teams will compete in the AC75 class of boats, known for their speed and agility thanks to innovative foiling technology.
The America’s Cup 2024 is set to take place in Port Vell, Barcelona, offering fans an immersive experience in the vibrant race village. The racing will occur just off the Barceloneta beachfront, providing excellent viewing opportunities for spectators. Enthusiasts can even charter their own boat for premium viewing on the water.
For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on the America’s Cup official website, YouTube channel, TNT Sports, and Discovery+. This competition is not only a showcase of sailing skill but also cutting-edge technology and strategy, making it a must-watch event for sports enthusiasts and sailing fans alike.