Setting Sail into History: The 37th America’s Cup Begins 173 Years After Iconic Win
On August 22, exactly 173 years after the schooner America won around the Isle of Wight, the 37th edition of the prestigious America’s Cup kicks off in Barcelona. This date also marks the start of the Final Preliminary Regatta, the third and final lead-up event to the America’s Cup, following previous regattas in Vilanova i La Geltrú (September 14–17, 2023) and Jeddah (November 29–December 2, 2023).
Importance of the Final Preliminary Regatta
Although this regatta does not award points towards the Louis Vuitton Cup, it holds significant importance for the teams. For the first time, they will compete onboard the AC75 yachts, as opposed to the AC40s used in earlier preliminary events. Additionally, unlike the previous regattas, this event will feature only match races, with no fleet races.
Competing Teams
The Barcelona Preliminary Regatta features five Challenger teams: Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, Ineos Britannia, NYYC American Magic, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, and Orient Express Racing Team, alongside the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand.
The event runs from August 22 to August 25, with four days of match races. The top two teams will advance to the final race on the last day, which will determine the winner of the event.
Races will start daily at 14:00 CEST and are expected to last between two to three hours, depending on the schedule and weather conditions.
Key Dates and Schedule
- August 21: Official Practice Race and Opening Press Conference
- August 22–25: Match Races
- August 25: Awards Ceremony at the Race Village
Luna Rossa Race Schedule and Pre-Start Entry Details
- August 22: MATCH #2 – NZL (Blue) vs ITA (Yellow) – MATCH #4 – ITA (Blue) vs FRA (Yellow)
- August 23: MATCH #7 – USA (Blue) vs ITA (Yellow)
- August 24: MATCH #11 – ITA (Blue) vs GBR (Yellow)
- August 25: MATCH #14 – ITA (Blue) vs SUI (Yellow)
Key Racing Instructions
- Start Time: The first race of the day will start no earlier than 14:00 local time.
- Warning Signal: 3 minutes before the start.
- Pre-Start Box Entry: The blue boat enters from the left at 2 minutes and 10 seconds before the start; the yellow boat enters from the right at 2 minutes before the start.
- Starting Line: Marked by two stationary buoys, approximately 300 meters long.
- Wind Limits: 6.5 / 21 knots.
- Course Layout: Windward-leeward course with a gate below the starting line. There are three possible courses:
- Course 4: Start – Windward Gate – Leeward Gate – Windward Gate – Finish
- Course 6: Start – Windward Gate – Leeward Gate – Windward Gate – Leeward Gate – Windward Gate – Finish
- Course 8: Start – Windward Gate – Leeward Gate – Windward Gate – Leeward Gate – Windward Gate – Leeward Gate – Windward Gate – Finish
- Validity: For a race to be valid, at least one boat must complete four legs.
- Time Limits:
- 12 minutes to complete the first leg.
- 45 minutes to complete the race.
- Penalties:
- No penalty for touching buoys.
- If a boat crosses the virtual boundary, it must slow down until it loses 75 meters.
- If umpires assign a penalty for a rule infringement, the penalized boat must slow down until it loses 75 meters. The penalty must be served within 60 seconds of the notification, but not before the start signal.
- Early Start (OCS):
- If a boat starts within 3 seconds of the signal, it has two options: cross the start line again or continue and take a 75-meter penalty.
- If a boat starts more than 3 seconds early, it must re-cross the start line.
- Mark Room: Within 60 meters of a mark, the inside boat has the right of way, regardless of the tack.
With this detailed information, fans and followers of Luna Rossa and the 37th America’s Cup can stay informed and fully enjoy the thrilling races in Barcelona.
