As the oldest international competition still operating in any sport, the America’s Cup has a connection with everyone that sails. While people can have mixed feelings about the event, it has grabbed the interest of a class boat that’s popular along the Mediterranean coast.
The 18-foot-long, catamaran Patí Català Class will be seeking to set records as 300+ entries are anticipated for an event October 19-20 in Barcelona, Spain. This unique singlehander features no rudder, centerboard, or boom, and is controlled by trim adjustments to the mainsail and use of body weight to steer.
“The Patí Català is a very genuine way of sailing in the city and our drive/intention/vocation is that it will continue for many more years,” said Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni. “We must remember that we are a city of the sea.”
The first association between the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup and the class was at Vilanova i la Geltrú in September 2023 for the first Preliminary Regatta where some 210 competed.
The regatta in Barcelona is set to eclipse this, and Gerard Esteva, himself a Patí de Vela sailor, former president of the International Association of Patí de Vela Owners (ADIPAV) and President of the Union of Sports Federations of Catalonia (UFEC), is excited at what is about to be achieved:
“I’m thrilled to share a historic achievement with you: we currently have 320 registered participants in the America’s Cup of Patí. This extraordinary milestone isn’t even the peak, as we’ve decided to keep registrations open for now. We firmly believe we can reach 330 participants, which would be an absolute Guinness World Record.
“It’s an incredible moment for all of us, the participants’ enthusiasm is palpable, and this is fantastic news for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, for Patí, for sailing, and for Barcelona. The bond we are forging between popular sailing and the America’s Cup is a real turning point. The response from the Patí community has been overwhelmingly positive, and this fills us with joy.”
Editor’s note: We’re not sure what record Esteva is referencing. According to the Guinness World Records website, the 2018 Barcolana had 2,689 various types of keelboats, while a 2012 Optimist Class event had 1,055 boats. However, we suspect it will be a Class record.
Viewing details – Race information – Results – Weather forecast
Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period was from December 1, 2021 until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup could be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the reveal, finally confirming Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup begins October 12, 2024.
Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)
2023-24 Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 22-25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain
2024 Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Selection Series*
August 29-September 9: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)
*Team New Zealand competes in the round robin stage only, but the results of their races were not included in the challenger leaderboard.
2024 America’s Cup
October 12-27: 37th Match (Best of 13)
For competition details, click here.
Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the Youth America’s Cup and Women’s America’s Cup.
Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Event details: www.americascup.com/en/home
Source: ACE, SSN – https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2024/10/09/grabbing-the-spotlight-in-barcelona/
