The Auld Mug has visited L’Escala, Palamós, Vilassar de Mar and Sitges. The next stops will be Tarragona, and Cambrils, culminating in Barcelona before the official competition.
The America’s Cup Trophy Tour has successfully concluded its first three stops in L’Escala, Palamós, and Vilassar de Mar, bringing the excitement of the world’s most prestigious sailing competition to local communities of Catalonia. Hundreds of people have enjoyed the activities, immersing themselves in the values and history of this iconic competition.
The nautical clubs of each locality have closely collaborated with America’s Cup Event (ACE), Emirates Team New Zealand, the municipalities, and the Generalitat of Catalonia. This cooperation has facilitated the exhibition of the trophy, the narration of its history, and spreading the news about the start of competition in just under 60 days time. Additionally, regattas and various cultural and gastronomic activities have been organized to engage the local community.
L’Escala was the setting for the first stop of the America’s Cup Trophy Tour, attracting numerous visitors to the Sea of Empúries. The official presentation of the trophy took place at the Waiting Dock of Club Nàutic L’Escala, with the presence of Narcís Carreras, President of Club Nàutic L’Escala; Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup; Joan Plana, Second Vice President of the Costa Brava Tourism Board; Anna Torrentà, Delegate of the Generalitat of Catalonia in Girona; and Josep Bofill, Mayor of L’Escala.
Fans were able to learn about the details of the 37th America’s Cup and take photos with the oldest trophy in international sport. The day included various activities at the club’s sailing school, with the participation of almost 80 sailors. Additionally, visitors enjoyed a village offering an immersive experience about the history of the competition, its boats, and crews, along with a gastronomic tasting of local products.
In Palamós, a city in the Baix Empordà region, an exhibition by the regatta team of Club Nàutic Costa Brava – Vela Palamós was held during the trophy’s visit. Miquel Aviño, Vice President of the club; Natalia Via-Dufresne, former Olympic sailor and Head of Water Operations at America’s Cup Event (ACE) Barcelona; and the Mayor of Palamós, Lluís Puig, spoke to the fans.
In Vilassar de Mar, a town in the Maresme region, a social regatta was organized with the participation of several clubs from the region, an exhibition of the Patí català class, and a tasting of preserved foods. Laura Martínez Portell, Mayor of Vilassar de Mar, attended the event.
The next stops of the Trophy Tour will be in Sitges, Tarragona, and Cambrils, culminating in Barcelona, where the tour will serve as a prelude to the official competition.
