Watch the 37th America’s Cup from a Boat: 5 Best Viewing Options!

The America’s Cup, the globe’s most illustrious sailing competition, is set to take place in Barcelona from August to October 2024. This event provides a rare opportunity to witness the world’s fastest racing yachts as they compete on the water.

The AC40 and AC75 boats appear to soar above the waves, reaching speeds of up to 50 knots (100 km/h). Whether from a rented yacht or designated Fan Zones along the shore, you can catch the thrilling races this summer and autumn. Continue reading for details!

The reigning champions, the Emirates New Zealand team, will face stiff competition from five other teams eager to claim the title. These teams will participate in a round-robin regatta, followed by semi-finals and a final to determine who will advance to the seven-day Match Race Final in October and vie for the prestigious America’s Cup!

America’s Cup 2024 Schedule

Training: until August 19
Official practice days: August 20-21, September 10-13, September 30, October 3
Preliminary regatta: August 22-25
Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robin: August 29-31, October 1, 3, 4, 7, 8
Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-finals: September 14-16, 18-19
Unicredit Youth Cup: September 17-18, 20-22, 26
Louis Vuitton Cup Final: September 26, 28-29, October 1, 2, 4-5
Puig Women’s Cup: October 5-6, 8-9, 11-13
37th America’s Cup Final: October 12-13, 16, 18-21

Note: Practice days (marked with a ‘P’) allow spectators to watch the teams in training. Reserved days (greyed out) are designated for rescheduling due to unfavorable weather conditions, etc. (Image courtesy of America’s Cup).

Experience the America’s Cup From a Boat…

Here are some of the best ways to enjoy a front-row view of the competition. You can opt for a shared boat (paying per person) or rent a private yacht (share the cost with friends!).

1. Discover & Live America’s Cup 2024 Sailing Experience

Enjoy the America’s Cup with one of Barcelona’s leading sailing companies. Choose the Discover experience, which includes a sailing tour of Port Vell, where you can see the training bases of the teams and possibly witness some AC75s in action. Tickets are priced at €66 per person, with tours departing daily at 10:30 from Port Olimpic. Or, opt for the Live experience, booking a berth on a sailing yacht to watch the races as they happen (refer to the schedule on this page). Prices for the Live experience vary! Both experiences can be booked on Get Your Guide.

DISCOVER AMERICA’S CUP OR WATCH LIVE ON A BOAT

2. Watch the America’s Cup 2024 on a Sailing Yacht

While this 38-foot yacht may not be as fast as the AC75, it provides an excellent vantage point to watch the races. Lounge on deck or relax in the cockpit with a glass of cava. Their Get Your Guide reservation page is user-friendly, allowing you to select your dates and view prices for various events (training, round robin, semi-finals, finals, etc.). Tickets for some of the match race final days in October are already selling out rapidly, so act quickly to secure yours!

AMERICA’S CUP FROM A SHARED YACHT

3. Shared Sailing Excursion for America’s Cup Regatta

For one final shared sailing trip before we explore private boat options, this company features a fleet of elegant Bavaria sailing yachts. Be sure to compare their rates and reviews against competitors before making your final decision. Check their product page on Get Your Guide.

AMERICA’S CUP FROM SHARED YACHTS

4. America’s Cup from Barcelona Party Boat (Shared)

Think of this two-deck catamaran as a fan zone on water, featuring multiple large TV screens and a lively crowd. Departing at 13:30 on race days (refer to the schedule above), guests will spend three hours on the water. Your ticket includes two alcohol drinks, and additional beverages are available at reasonable prices. Soft drinks are complimentary! Priced at €120, this is an affordable way to watch the races live from the sea.

AMERICA’S CUP FROM A PARTY BOAT

5. America’s Cup Front Line in a Luxury Sailboat (Private)

Book this stunning 15-meter luxury sailing boat for an unparalleled front-row view of the action! Priced at €950 and sharing costs among ten guests makes it quite affordable. This package includes a skipper and hostess, ensuring a delightful experience with ample lounge space on deck. Reservations can be made through Get Your Guide.

AMERICA’S CUP FROM PRIVATE YACHT

More Private Boat Rentals

If you’re unable to find a suitable private boat among the options listed above, consider checking our dedicated section for boat rentals, offering a broader selection of vessels. Given the high demand during the Cup, it’s advisable to book in advance. You can also reach out to me at info@barcelona-life.com for assistance.

Tips for Booking

When arranging a boat to watch the America’s Cup from the water, make sure to confirm the boat’s docking location. The central ports, Port Vell and Port Olimpic, are where all the suggested trips depart. Other ports can be reached via public transport, but allow extra travel time, which may delay getting to the race area.

If being on the water is too inconvenient or costly, there are simpler options available. You could visit one of the two Spectator Areas (marked in blue on the map below) located at Port Olimpic and by the W-Hotel to watch from the shore.

Alternatively, you can relax at one of the two official Fan Zones (marked in yellow), where large screens keep you updated on the race action. These Fan Zones can be found at Plaça de Mar in Barceloneta and at Bogatell beach, with free entrance (no tickets required!).

Additionally, the official Racing Village at Passeig de Colom (marked in red) also features large screens for viewing the races.

Map of key locations (copyright America’s Cup and Barcelona Tourist Board).

Finally, you can also catch the America’s Cup on television or by streaming it live on the competition’s official YouTube channel.

Explore The America’s Cup Experience

1. America’s Cup Experience Tickets

For those interested in the rich history of the America’s Cup—the oldest ongoing sporting event in the world—tickets are available for this engaging exhibition. The venue features replicas of the trophy and the yachts, showcases the cutting-edge technology behind these foiling boats, and includes a screening of “One Hell of a Battle” on an IMAX screen. It’s a must-visit for sailing enthusiasts!

AMERICA’S CUP EXPERIENCE TICKETS

2. America’s Cup 360 Card: By Land, Air & Sea

Enhance your America’s Cup experience with this comprehensive land, sea, and air package. It includes tickets to the America’s Cup Experience, a ride on the Golondrinas ferry through Port Vell (where the team bases are located), a guided tour of the Racing Village, and even a helicopter flight for stunning aerial views of Barcelona’s coastline and the event’s infrastructure. Bookings can be made via Get Your Guide.

AMERICA’S CUP ON LAND SEA & AIR

Looking for additional information? Be sure to visit the official America’s Cup website or follow their social media channels. Meanwhile, check out this video that delves into the fascinating technology and science behind the cutting-edge AC75 yachts.