sailing yacht races

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The 2024 calendar of major sailing races and regattas

2024 will be the year of solo round-the-world races. It begins with the start of the Arkéa Ultim Challenge - Brest and ends with the start of the Vendée Globe. But it will also be the year of the one-designs, with the Olympic Games being held in Marseille, France, and the America's Cup taking place on our doorstep in Barcelona. A rich year for sailing, for which we present you with the most exhaustive calendar possible!

Boat shows 2024 per month :

Arkéa Ultim Challenge âeuros Brest

• Departure January 7
• Location: Brest
• Circuit : Ultim

The Ultims, those big flying trimarans, are about to embark on a first: a solo round-the-world race. There will be 6 of them on the starting line for this brand-new race, a true initiatory experience.

Sail GP - Abu Dhabi Sailing Grand Prix

• January 13 to 14
• Location: Abu Dahbi
• Circuit : Sail GP

The Sail GP circuit continues its expansion with a grand prix in Abu Dhabi in mid-January. The nine-stop circuit will conclude in San Francisco on July 13 and 14, 2024.

RORC Caribbean 600

• Departure February 19
• Location: Antigua
• Circuit : IRC, CSA, MOCRA and Class40

This 600-mile race is one of the most renowned on the Caribbean circuit, with an eclectic mix of over 70 participating boats from all over the world. Starting and finishing in Antigua, crews must complete a course between the various Caribbean islands.

Armen Festival

• March 9 to 17
• Location: Saint-Tropez
• Circuit : OSIRIS-rated modern sailboats, Habitable, IRC

The Festival Armen brings together some 70 yachts for two weekends of regattas. The first from Saint-Tropez to Cavalaire and back, and the second in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. There will also be a Friday ski race in Auron on March 15. The name "ARMEN", a contraction of ARt MEr Neige, is of course also a nod to the lighthouse of the same name.

St Maarten Heineken Regatta

• February 29 to March 03
• Location: Saint-Martin (Caribbean)
• Circuit : Maxis, monohulls, multihulls

Originally a small event, the Heineken brand has made it one of the West Indies' must-see gatherings for over 40 years. Every year, some 150 sailboats - professional and amateur - come to race over 4 days, all in a convivial atmosphere.

Primo Cup - Credit Suisse Trophy

• March 7 to 10
• Location: Monaco
• Circuit : M32, Diam 24, Melges 20, J/70, Star, Smeralda 88

Since 1985, the Primo Cup has been held in Monegasque waters, marking the start of the Mediterranean season. It brings together some 800 sailors of 15 different nationalities for a one-design regatta. The special feature: a mix of amateurs and professionals.

Florence Arthaud Challenge

• Location: Marseille
• Circuit : All boats homologated in category A, B or C (for earlier units, minimum 5th navigation category), IRC, OSIRIS

Known as the Winter Challenge, the race has been renamed in tribute to the late yachtswoman. Groups will race on tactical or coastal courses in Marseille's Rade Sud and Rade Nord.

Arcipelago 6.50

• Location: Italy
• Circuit : Mini 6.50

It's the start of the Italian season in Livorno with this 220-mile course around the Tuscan archipelago: Livorno - Gorgone - Capri - Giannutri - Livorno.

Spi Ouest France - Banque Populaire Grand Ouest

• March 29 to April 1
• Location: La Trinité-sur-Mer
• Circuit: habitational yachts , monohulls and multihulls, one-designs and IRC and Osiris production yachts .

A major French sailing event, the Spi Ouest-France Destination Morbihan takes place every Easter weekend in Quiberon Bay. Organized by the Ouest-France newspaper and the Société Nautique de La Trinité-sur-Mer, over the years the Spi Ouest-France Destination Morbihan has become Europe's biggest springtime regatta for live-aboard yachts , bringing together amateurs and professionals, monohulls and multihulls, one-designs and IRC and Osiris production yachts .

• Circuit : IRC 2019-rated monohulls and one-designs (if 10 boats entered in the series)

This flagship Mediterranean regatta can be run as an IRC, ORC International or one-design event.

Plastimo Lorient Mini - PLM 6.50

• Departure April 4
• Location: Lorient

This is the first Atlantic race of the season for the Minis. A 250-mile warm-up between the Pointe de Penmarch' and Ile D'Yeuen, double-handed since the 2023 edition. In just a few editions, the Plastimo Lorient Mini (formerly the Lorient Bretagne Sud Mini) has become one of the most popular events on the circuit.

• Departure April 7
• Location: Le Palais, Belle-Ile
• Circuit : Class40

2024 sees the first edition of the Niji 40 , a transatlantic race reserved for Class40s on a course inspired by Laurent Voulzy's song, linking Belle-Île en Mer in Morbihan to Marie-Galante in the Guadeloupe archipelago. Raced in 3-person crews, the race takes crews to America, where they will be lining up at the start of the Québec Saint-Malo race on June 30.

Course Croisière Edhec

• April 12 to 20
• Location: Les Sables-d'Olonne
• Circuit : J70/J80, Grand Surprise, OSIRIS Habitable

The Course Croisière Edhec is Europe's premier student regatta. Organized for 55 years to democratize sailing, the Course Croisière Edhec welcomes more than 1,600 professional and amateur sailors who come to compete or simply have fun. This race is accompanied by two other trophies: land and sand.

Voiles de Saint-Barth

• April 14 to 20
• Location: Saint-Barthélemy (French West Indies )
• Circuit: Supermaxis, Maxis, and Minimaxis under the IRC rule, monohull Racings under the CSA > 0.800 rule, multihull Racings under the CSA multi rule, and Offshore Multihulls under the ORC mh rule

The 2024 edition is cancelled for lack of a sponsor. The 2025 edition is already scheduled for April 13 to 19, 2025, if the organizing team finds the funds...

Spi Dauphine Challenge

• April 12 to 19
• Location: Mediterranean
• Circuit : OSIRIS class 21 to 28

Every year, the Spi Dauphine brings together student sailing enthusiasts from all over France, as well as from neighboring countries such as England and Italy . Nearly 40 boats race on two courses, coastal and banana, in two host ports, with a ferry link between the two. The race is also open to people with disabilities, and embodies strong values.

Cap Martinique

• Departure April 14
• Circuit : Solo and Double, IRC Class

Created in 2022, the Cap Martinique is a single-handed or double-handed transatlantic race open to boats from 30 to 40 feet, with a TCC coefficient of 0.977 to 1.081 in the IRC rule. Aimed at amateurs of all ages, unlike the Transquadra , the race is non-stop. The yachts set off from La Trinité-sur-Mer, leaving Porto Santo in Madeira to starboard before reaching Fort-de-France in Martinique . A cargo return will enable those who wish to have their boats in France for the summer circuit.

Gasgogne 45/5

• April 18 to 21
• Location: La Rochelle
• Circuit : Solo/Duo IRC, OSIRIS, crew

A simple race whose start and finish port is La Rochelle , over a 2 to 3-day course that includes a single passage mark: the weather buoy anchored at 45°N and 5°W. New for 2024, the course will pass the Port Bourgenay safe-water buoy or the BXA at the entrance to the Gironde, depending on weather conditions.

Hyères Olympic Week - SOF

• April 20 to 27
• Location: Hyères
• Circuit : Light sailing

During the French Olympic Sailing Week, a traditional springtime event in the Var region of France, some 1,000 international athletes compete in ten light sail disciplines.

The Transat CIC

• Departure April 28
• Circuit : IMOCA , Class40 , Ocean Fifty

The Transat CIC will set sail from Lorient before heading for New York in the United States. On the menu: a demanding 3000-mile course across the North Atlantic between the European and North American continents. The Transat CIC is open to solo sailors in IMOCA , Class40 and Ocean Fifty classes, as well as Vintage monohulls and multihulls. For 2024, cargo sailboats will be on display.

Solo Maître Coq

• April 28 to May 5
• Circuit : Figaro

The first event of the Figaro Bénéteau Class season, the Solo Maître CoQ is raced single-handed on Figaro Bénéteau 3 yachts . Departing from Les Sables-d'Olonne, the Grande Course takes skippers around the islands of Ré, Yeu and Belle-Île.

Pornichet Select

• Departure May 4
• Location: Pornichet

Competitors set off from Pornichet on this selective 300-mile single-handed course. Traditionally, the first few miles are the most tactical up to Belle-Île, before a long descent to Les Sables-d'Olonne, then an equally long climb, often upwind, to Groix. It's here that fatigue makes itself felt the most. A few minutes of sleep are gained, but we have to hold on before entering the bay of La Baule. A hard, splendid race which, for many, sets the tone for the season.

• Departure May 6

Loop around the Balearic Islands from Barcelona to Mallorca, for solo sailors on the Mini 6.50 circuit

Belle-Île Tower

• Location: La Trinité
• Circuit : All boats over 6 m in the Grand Surprise, First 31.7, J80, J70, Pogo 8.50, Classe 6.50, Classe Open 7.50, Easy to Fly, Diam 24, Mini 6.50 (Protos and Series boats), Figar'one, Figaro 2, M34, Class 40, Multi 50, IMOCA handicap system, OSIRIS, IRC, Multi 2000 and Jauge Classique classes. All monohull or multihull yachts over 6 meters not belonging to one of these categories are grouped together in a class called "Classe Libre".

500 boats gathered on the same 3 km starting line in Quiberon Bay for a regatta on two courses: the Grand Tour, open to boats equipped for offshore sailing, a 42-mile course, and the P'tit Tour, about 37 miles, open to sailboats equipped for coastal sailing. Both consist of a loop starting and finishing in La Trinité, around Belle-Île-en-Mer .

Mini in May

• Location: Quiberon Bay

The second leg of the French Single-handed Offshore Racing Championship, the Mini en Mai has become a fixture in the Mini 6.50 class. The course, starting and finishing in La Trinité-sur-Mer, takes racers around a marker north of Sein, then down around a buoy off the Gironde before heading up towards Quiberon Bay, passing under the Ile de Ré bridge.

Tahiti Pearl Regatta

• May 8 to 11
• Location: Tahiti
• Circuit: all types of sailboats, with no size limit (monohulls, catamarans, trimarans, private sailboats, charter boats, transpacific stopovers, sailing pirogues, follower boats, etc.)

A regatta in the middle of the Pacific, a 4-day sailing festival in the Leeward Islands of French Polynesia . Over the years, the "TPR", as the sailors call it, has become the finest regatta in the Pacific islands, and has established itself as an international nautical event. Every year, it attracts local and international crews in search of an extraordinary experience. The course changes with each edition. It takes in the islands of Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora-Bora and Huahine. An unforgettable voyage through the blue shades of the South Pacific.

ArMen Race and ArMen Race Uship Night

• May 9 to 12
• Location: La Trinité sur mer
• Circuit : Large Multihulls, Multi 50', Imoca , Class40 , One-designs, IRC Cruisers and Osiris Habitable

The Armen Race is a 360-mile non-stop offshore loop, which can be broken down into a shorter 120-mile course through the Nuit de l'Armen, which can be raced double-handed or with crew .

SNSM Var Trophy

• Location: Bandol
• Circuit : Monohull yachts up to 16 m long

Three days in the Mediterranean for sea rescuers, with a large gathering of 80 yachts for a regatta of 3 one-day coastal courses, crewed over the Ascension weekend. The Trophy is not open to solo sailors.

Grand Prix de l'Ecole Navale (GPEN)

• May 9 to 11
• Location: Crozon-Morgat peninsula
• Circuit : One-design French Championship (J80, Diam 24, Open 5.70, Corsaire, Seascape 18, J22, Longtze, Mach 650, Monotype 750)

The Grand Prix de l'Ecole Navale takes place every year on Ascension Day weekend. It's the perfect opportunity for all sailors who love equal-opportunity matches to come face-to-face at an event offering unique sporting and logistical facilities! More than 1,000 sailors from all over the world, as well as from a dozen European Union countries, are ready to do battle on six exceptional stretches of water, vying for the titles of French Champion and National Criterium.

Banque Populaire Grand Ouest BPGO Trophy

• May 15 to 25
• Location: Concarneau

The BPGO Trophy is a double-handed race reserved exclusively for Figaro-Bénéteau boats. A unique 800-nautical-mile format showcasing the know-how of the little-known territories of the 15 Ponant islands.

Transmanche double-handed or crewed

• May 17 to 21
• Location: Aber-Wrac'h
• Circuit: double or crewed, multihull or monohull

For 37 years, the Transmanche has been a race for sailors organized by sailors from the Yacht Club des Abers, at the tip of Brittany . The Transmanche allows sailors to cross the English Channel and back non-stop, racing 220 miles off the coast of Aber Wrac'h and Plymouth: 110 miles to round the breakwater at Plymouth and as many to return to Aber Wrac'h, without setting foot on British soil. The average duration of the race is 35 hours. between 30 and 50 boats take part each year. The Transmanche is open to all, mixing amateurs and professionals on all types of boats. It's an original fleet: Pogo, Figaro Bénéteau , small and large production boats, 6.50 prototypes...

Paprec 600 Saint-Tropez

• May 20 to 26
• Circuit : IRC

Renamed "Au large de Saint-Tropez" in 2017, 2018 and 2020, this event was open to crews, then to solo sailors since 2015, and to double-handed crews since 2016, with a choice of 400 or 600 nautical mile courses. In 2023, PAPREC becomes the title partner of this beautiful ocean race offering a unique 600 nautical mile course in the Mediterranean. The event is thus renamed "Paprec 600 Saint-Tropez".

Voiles d'Antibes

• May 29 to June 2
• Location: Antibes
• Circuit : Vintage Yachts (built before 1950), Classic Yachts (built before 1976), Spirit of Tradition Yachts , Metric Classes (6 MJI, 8MJI and the 12 MJI competing in the America's Cup from 1958 to 1987)

Since 1996, Les Voiles d'Antibes, organized every year around the first week of June, marks the opening of the Mediterranean circuit for Traditional Yachts and Metric Classes. The event features a selection of the finest Vintage Yachts (built before 1950), Classic Yachts (built before 1976) and Spirit of Tradition Yachts , as well as the Metric Classes (6 MJI, 8MJI and the 12 MJI competing in the America's Cup from 1958 to 1987), which have shaped the great history of international yachting since the end of the 19th century.

Transat New-York - Vendée - Les Sables-d'Olonne

• Departure May 29
• Location: New York
• Circuit : IMOCA

The last qualifying race for the Vendée Globe 2024, this event is a real dress rehearsal for the IMOCA boats before the round-the-world race, which departs from the Vendée town six months later.

Marie-Agnès Peron Trophy - MAP Trophy

• May 30 to June 1
• Location: Mer d'Iroise

A success since its creation, this competition in the Iroise Sea and Southern Brittany is recognized by the ministries as a very technical and tactical race. The relatively short course means that this race is sailed at a sprinter's pace. The Douarnenez âeuros mer d'Iroise âeuros Bretagne sud âeuros Douarnenez course is 220 miles long.

Le Havre - Allmer Cup

• May 31 to June 8
• Location: Le Havre

Held every even-numbered year, this race brings together all the Figaro solo sailors. The 2022 event was won by Tom Laperche .

Rolex Giraglia

• June 8 to 12
• Circuit : Traditional Swan, ultra-modern Wally , Maxis, Beneteau 40.7, 47.7, Corel 45, Farr 40

The Rolex Giraglia Cup is truly a Mediterranean classic, bringing together around a hundred boats of different sizes and professional and non-professional sailors from all over the world.

The Bol d'Or Mirabeau

• June 14th to 16th
• Location: Geneva (Switzerland), at the far western end of Lake Geneva
• Circuit : Multihulls (M1 and M2 classes), Monohulls (Surprises, Grand Surprises, ACVL-SRS-rated Monohulls, ACVL-SRS-rated Monohulls)

It's the world's biggest closed basin regatta, showcasing Swiss sailing expertise. Over a round-trip course of around 123 km, amateurs and professionals compete for prizes and trophies. Each year, more than 500 boats are present at the start, with nearly 1,500 crew and 150 volunteers on shore.

Mini Fastnet

• Departure June 9
• Location: Douarnenez

It's the oldest, most prestigious and unmissable double-handed race on the Mini circuit. The 600-mile race starts from Douarnenez and circumnavigates the Fastnet lighthouse .

Ticket To Wight

• June 21 to July 6
• Location: Cherbourg
• Circuit : IRC and OSIRIS Habitable

The Ticket to Wight is a journey from Cherbourg to Cherbourg, bypassing the Isle of Wight in the direction they want.

Old Port Sails

• Dates to be determined for the 2024 edition in June
• Circuit: classic yachts

Every year, classic yachts , some of them hundreds of years old, come to race in the Bay of Marseille on the eve of summer, in wind conditions that can sometimes be sustained.

• June 26 to July 14
• Location: Dunkirk to ?

Formerly known as the Tour de France à la Voile , the Tour Voile was created in 1978. Originally raced exclusively on inhabitable monohulls, the 2015 to 2021 seasons saw the birth of a new Tour formula, in Diam 24. In 2022, the FFV, in collaboration with the Figaro Bénéteau Class, wanted to relaunch a crewed ocean racing competition (coastal and offshore races), to re-establish a bridge between the various sailing disciplines and Ocean Racing. The chosen boat is the Figaro Bénéteau 3, and crews are made up of 4 sailors, including at least one woman and two young people aged between 16 and 26.

Transat Québec Saint-Malo

• Departure June 30
• Location: Quebec City
• Circuit : Class40 , Ocean Fifty , Open Mono 45'-65', Open Multi 45'-60'

The Transat Québec Saint-Malo (TQSM) is a non-stop, crewed, west-to-east transatlantic race. Every four years since 1984, the ocean racers set out on the St. Lawrence River , between Quebec City and Lévis, before crossing the Atlantic by the North, to finally enter the English Channel. The Transat 2024 will mark the 10th edition of this legendary race.

La Trinité-Cherbourg by Actual

• Location: Trinité-sur-Mer
• Circuit: open to all classes authorized by the Rorc to race the Cowes-Dinard, in particular IRCs, Class40s, Multis...

Formerly Trinité-Cowes, the Trinité Cherbourg by Actuel is a 350-mile race starting from La Trinité-sur-Mer and finishing in Cherbourg via a port on the Isle of Wight, double-handed or crewed.

Tour des Ports de la Manche

• July 7 to 12
• Location Granville
• Circuit : OSIRIS

Celebrating its 40th edition in 2024, the Tour des Ports de la Manche is a regatta that links different marinas in the English Channel and Channel Islands every July: Granville, Barneville-Carteret, Jersey, Guernsey, Port-Diélette, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and Saint Vaast-la-Hougue. Bringing together some 100 crews and 650 sailors, this regatta is one of the biggest sailing races in France and the most important in Normandy.

• July 11 to 21
• Circuit: All classes are invited

After a prologue in Cherbourg, the big race reaches La Trinité-sur-Mer, with three different courses depending on the speed of the boats. An opportunity to pit your cruising yacht against an Ultim Class trimaran or a Vendée Globe IMOCA ...

Les Sables âeuros Les Açores âeuros Les Sables

• Departure July 19

A major offshore race for Mini 6.50s, this event starts in Les Sables-d'Olonne and makes a stopover in the Azores at Faïal before returning to the starting port. This event counts towards qualification for the Mini Transat .

Olympic Games

• July 28 to August 8

France hosts the Summer Olympics for the first time since 1924. That year, the sailing events were held on the Seine at Les Mureaux and Le Havre. For 2024, the Marseilles harbor has been chosen. Two events never before seen at the Olympic Games will see the light of day in 2024: IQ foil windsurfing and formula kite.

Sailing around Finistère

• July 29 to August 3
• Location: Depart from Roscoff and head for Port-La-Forêt
• Circuit : Osiris, IRC, double or solo (boats from 7 to 14 m)

This emblematic Finistère regatta brings together around a hundred boats racing over 190 nautical miles between Roscoff and Port-La-Forêt. This national event is governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing published by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), represented in France by the Fédération Française de Voile (FFV). It is open to boats from 7 to 14 meters.

Solitaire du Figaro

• August 19 to September 15
• Location: Course to be announced

In 2024, the 55th edition of the Solitaire du Figaro will take place. This legendary race is run single-handed on the Figaro 3 one-design boat. An ocean racing event that has marked every generation of skippers.

Louis Vuitton Cup Challenge

• From August 22
• Location: Barcelona
• Circuit : America's Cup

The America's Cup holders are Emirates Team New Zealand representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, but they face stiff competition. The unique Cup format sees the defender of the trophy automatically allowed to race in the final "Match", while the Challengers will undertake a series, the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenge, to find the best to take on the New Zealand team. Confirmed entries are : Alinghi Red Bull Racing from Switzerland, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli from Italy , American Magic New York Yacht Club from the USA and Orient Express Racing Team from France.

Azimuth Challenge

• September 10 to 15

Every year, the program includes speed runs, a 48-hour race and a tour of the island of Groix. A winning combo, as the event grows from year to year, attracting ever more competitors.

CIC Normandy Channel Race

• September 13 to 22
• Location: Caen

The Normandy Channel Race sets itself apart with a course of around 1,000 miles in the English Channel and Celtic Sea, starting and finishing in Caen, Normandy. This is a double-handed Class40 race. The course is varied, half coastal in France, the UK and Ireland, and half offshore in the English Channel and Celtic Sea. It's a demanding course, with complex navigation zones that allow for all kinds of tactical games, at a very high race pace, a real week-long sprint.

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez

• September 28 to October 6
• Circuit : Wally , traditional yachts , modern yachts and Maxis

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is over 20 years old! For two decades now, the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez has been offering sail lovers a rare and unique opportunity to enjoy the many pleasures of the sea, every year before autumn. For two weeks, 300 boats, both classic and modern, and almost 4,000 sailors will once again celebrate a certain way of experiencing the sea, both on land and on the water, in a spirit of sharing and conviviality.

Vire Vire Banque Populaire Méditerranée

• October 6th
• Location: Rade de Marseille
• Circuit : IRC, old rigs, barquettes

Organized by the Société Nautique de Marseille since 1948, the Vire Vire Banque Populaire Méditerranée brings together some 150 boats each year to compete on a 13 nautical mile coastal course, passing buoys at Cap Pinède, Pomègues and La Madrague before returning to the starting point under the Corniche Kennedy, between Marseille's northern and southern roads.

America's Cup

• From October 22

After the Louis Vitton Cup Challenge, it's now time for the winner of the challengers to face off against Team New Zeland, winner of the previous edition.

Rolex Middle Sea Race

• October 21 to 28
• Location: Malta
• Circuit : IRC Solo and Duo and Class40

In the heart of the Mediterranean, the Rolex Middle Sea Race course is reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the world. It is often compared to the Rolex Fasnet Race, or the Rolex Sydney-Hobart, legendary races all run under IRC rules. Over 100 boats take part each year. Starting and finishing in Malta , the course is 606 nautical miles long, winding counter-clockwise around Sicily. The fleet aims for the Strait of Messina, passing the marks of the Aeolian Islands and the Stromboli volcano, heading west to the Egadi Islands, then south to Pantelleria and Lampedusa before reaching the finish in the port of Marsamxett.

• Departure November 10

Held every 4 years, the Vendée Globe is the legendary race for solo offshore sailors. On their IMOCA boats, the almost 40 competitors will race around the world without being allowed to make a stopover or receive assistance.

Rolex Sydney Hobart

• Departure December 25
• Location: Sydney
• Circuit: all classes of offshore boats

Over the past 75 years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has become an icon of summer sport in Australia , ranking alongside national events such as the Melbourne Cup, Australian Open tennis and the Boxing Day cricket test. No regular annual yachting event in the world attracts such media coverage as the Boxing Day start on Sydney Harbour.

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7 Global Sailing Races to Follow

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Destinations , Event , Inside Sailing , Sailing Fun

As American Sailing evolves our curriculum to offer more racing options through North U, I am attempting to learn more about sailboat racing. If you are following along with my journey to become a racer, you know that I am a neophyte when it comes to racing. I am a cruiser. I am a self-described “lazy sailor” that does not focus on trimming my sails and instead works on not dropping my chips and salsa while sailing.

You can get an idea of my journey in my last two pieces on sailing and racing:

SAIL TRIM FOR CRUISERS: WHY TRIM YOUR SAILS?

HOW TO GRADUATE FROM CRUISER TO RACER — STEPS TO START RACING SAILBOATS

I plan to find out more about the serious and not-so-serious side of sailboat racing. Many people, even non-sailors, know what the America’s Cup is, and may have even turned on a sports network to catch a SailGP race. But there is far more to sailing races than those two.

Here’s an overview of seven of the big races, regattas, and race series that occur regularly around the world. These are iconic events, both old and new, that shape the world of racing and have inspired sailors for generations to challenge themselves to new heights, both on and off the water.

Cowes Week is one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing regattas in the world, held every August in the Solent waters off Cowes, UK. The event has been around since 1826, and it’s known for attracting some of the best sailors from around the globe. It’s the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world, with up to 1,000 boats and 8,000 competitors taking part in the 40 daily sailing races.

Whether you’re an Olympic or world-class pro, or just a weekend sailor, Cowes Week is an event that has something for everyone. And even if you’re not into sailing, the regatta is still a spectacle to behold – with stunning views of the coastline and plenty of festivities both on and off the water. 

Once you discover the allure of racing it appears that Cowes Week might be worthy of a sailing vacation that includes either participating in a race or just being involved as a spectator. I am not there yet, but it could happen.

Next Race Date: July 29 – Aug 4, 2023 Cowes Week Website

The Ocean Race

I do know about The Ocean Race only because prior to the new owner taking over, it was the Volvo Ocean Race for twenty years and that is how they got me to buy a Volvo. I walked into the dealership and saw some mesmerizing sailboat pictures and I signed the contract and drove away.  I am a sucker.

The Ocean Race is a round-the-world yacht race that occurs every three years. It’s known as one of the most challenging sailing races globally, spanning over 45,000 nautical miles. The race consists of multiple legs and lasts about nine months. The race starts in Europe and ends in Asia or Oceania. The exact route changes with each edition of the race.

Both professional sailors and amateur sailors can participate in this race. The teams are composed of eight sailors, all racing on the same boats. These boats are specially designed to be fast and robust, capable of enduring the tough conditions of the open ocean.

This race used to be known as the Whitbread Round the World Race until it was renamed the Volvo Ocean Race and now is known as The Ocean Race.

Next Race Date: Currently in progress at the time of the post! The Ocean Race Website

America’s Cup 

My first foray into sailing racing was when Dennis Conner won the America’s Cup.  I was a kid watching the news and learned about sailing through this huge event on the vessel, Stars and Stripes. Years later I took a ride on what I was told was the same boat. I was skeptical about the origin of the vessel I was on but that day I learned a lot about how much I loved the idea of sailing. A couple of years later I bought a boat.

The America’s Cup is held every few years on dates agreed between the defender and the challenger. There is no fixed schedule, but the races have generally been held every three to four years. The most recent America’s Cup match took place in March 2021. 

The 37th America’s Cup Official Opening Ceremony will be held in Barcelona on 22 August 2024. The Final Preliminary Event and the Challenger Selection Series will follow, leading up to the America’s Cup Match that will start on 12 October 2024. During 2023/early 2024, there is potential for up to three preliminary events. By June 2023, all the teams will have their base set up and be training in Barcelona.

The competition takes place between teams representing different countries or yacht clubs. The event involves a series of races where high-tech racing yachts, known as America’s Cup Class boats, compete in head-to-head races that test their speed, agility, and teamwork.

The competition dates back to 1851 when a schooner called America won a race around the Isle of Wight. The trophy, now known as the America’s Cup, was donated to the New York Yacht Club and has since become one of the most prestigious prizes in sailing.

Next Race Date: October 12, 2024 The America’s Cup Website

Vendée Globe

If I was a racer I am sure that The Vendée Globe would be the race that would inspire me to go hard into this type of adventure. The Vendée Globe is a single-handed (solo) non-stop yacht race around the world without assistance. It takes place every four years and is an extreme form of sailing.  It is said that more people have been into space than have finished the Vendee Globe. First held in 1989, the race starts and ends in Les Sables-d’Olonne, a small town on the west coast of France, and covers a distance of approximately 45,000 km.

Sailors must navigate their way through some of the most treacherous waters on the planet, including the Southern Ocean and the Cape Horn. Sailors must rely solely on their own skills, knowledge, and experience to complete the race. They face extreme weather conditions, sleep deprivation, and the constant threat of danger as they navigate their way around the world. 

The boats are designed specifically for the event and are some of the most advanced sailing vessels in the world, capable of speeds of up to 30 knots.

Next Race Date: November 10, 2024 The Vend é e Globe Website

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

I must confess that I had a very nice t-shirt from this regatta that I purchased at the St. Maarten airport. I was leaving the country and realized that I had not bought any souvenirs so I found this shirt in the terminal and wore it like a proud sailboat racer. I was an imposter, I had never even seen any of the race and I did not know it existed.

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is a massive sailing event that takes place on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean. It’s actually the biggest regatta in the Caribbean and the largest warm water regatta in the world.

The event attracts top sailors from 37 countries, who compete in a series of races over four days. The competition draws in sailors that are both professionals and passionate amateurs who just love to sail.

Next Race Date: Feb 29 – Mar 3, 2024 St. Maarten Regatta Website

Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac)

If you live and sail in Southern California, you will hear about Transpac. I have heard about it, and I did not realize it was a race. I always figured it was a group of sailors who sailed across the Pacific to Hawaii in a large caravan, like a large flotilla, without any daily stops. I will confess that when I sailed my Catalina 27 five times a week, I had a few fantasies about tagging along in my boat and stopping over in Hawaii with the Transpac crowd. But, unfortunately, I was misguided.

The Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac) is a biennial offshore yacht race held in odd-numbered years starting off the Pt. Fermin buoy in San Pedro, California, and ending off Diamond Head in Hawaii, a distance of around 2,225 nautical miles (2,560 mi; 4,121 km). It is one of the world’s oldest major ocean races for sailing yachts. The race was first held in 1906 and made a biennial event in 1939 to alternate with the Bermuda Race.

Next Race Date: June 27, 2023 TransPac Website

Now in its 4th season, SailGP is a newer series race held as a competition between nations on identical F50 catamarans. Currently the nations competing include Australia, New Zealand, Emirates Great Britain, France, Canada, Denmark, United States, Switzerland, and Spain. The race is held on weekends in iconic locations around the world modeled in a grand prix format similar to Formula 1 in which points accumulate throughout the season based on winnings from each race and contribute toward a championship. 

The race series has a really great app you can use to follow along and watch live, or on YouTube, and they are doing wonderful work expanding the sport’s impact initiatives through their second championship leaderboard that tracks the positive actions the teams make to reduce their overall carbon footprint and help accelerate inclusivity in sailing. The coverage of this series is great to watch – it has a high production value including live mics on the sailors and post race interviews with the sailors. The commentators do a good job educating the audience as to the basics of sailboat racing as well as explaining the racing rules.

Season 4 Opening Race: June 16-17, 2023 Chicago Sail GP Website

So which race strikes your fancy? Here’s hoping you enjoy some of these and find some new inspiration in your sailing journey!

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The Top 10 Most Epic Sailing Races in the World

January 26, 2024

‍ Key Takeaways

• The world's most epic sailing races challenge competitors with extreme conditions.
• These top 10 sailing events attract participants from experienced professionals.
• The races are not only thrilling for participants but also create memorable experiences.

‍ Are you looking for the top-most epic sailing races in the world? Let’s walk you through races that might strike your fancy and make you want to try.

The best epic sailing races are the Volvo Ocean Race, America's Cup, Barcolana Regatta, Fastnet Race, Vendée Globe, Transpac Race, Rolex Middle Sea Race, Around the Island Race, Cowes Week, and Cape2Rio Yacht Race. These races define sailing's pinnacle of challenge and adventure.

As an avid sailor with decades of firsthand experience and a deep passion for the sport, I've navigated the world's most challenging waters. My expertise and insights into these epic sailing races are rooted in a genuine love for the sea.

Table of contents

‍ The Top Most Epic Sailing Races in World Racing

Sailing races have long captured the imagination of sailors and enthusiasts alike, showcasing the skill, endurance, and prowess of competitors as they navigate some of the world's most challenging waters. Uniting past and present, these epic sailing events not only pay homage to the golden age of sailing but also push the boundaries of modern technology and tactics with breathtaking competition.

As the world's top sailors and vessels gather to partake in these races , fans and spectators are treated to memorable performances on the open seas. These events draw sailors of all levels, from experienced professionals to amateur weekend warriors, all dreaming of triumph in the ultimate tests of skill, strategy, and courage.

Here's a table comparing the key features of the top epic sailing races in the world:

1. The Volvo Ocean Race

The Volvo Ocean Race is one of the most epic sailing races in the world. Spanning nearly 45,000 nautical miles, it tests the stamina and skill of the world's best sailors. With its route incorporating the planet's most challenging waters, this race has a rich history and significance in the realm of sailboat racing.

Race Distance

The Volvo Ocean Race, previously known as the Whitbread Round the World Race, covers a staggering 45,000 nautical miles, making it a sailing marathon on the water. The race is held every three to four years and attracts professional sailors who aim to tackle this grueling course.

Route Challenges

The race route poses a multitude of challenges to participants. From navigating the chilly Southern Ocean to maneuvering around treacherous Cape Horn, sailors face diverse and unforgiving conditions continuously.

Some of the route challenges include:

• Dodging icebergs in the Southern Ocean
• Tackling strong winds and rough seas at Cape Horn
• Enduring the doldrums near the Equator
• Managing tight and tactical routes through the Mediterranean

Historical Significance

The Volvo Ocean Race was initially started in 1973 as the Whitbread Round the World Race and has been held every few years since then. The race is a prestigious event attracting Olympic champions, record-breakers, and pioneers from the sailing world.

The Ocean Race is currently the world's longest and toughest professional sporting event, and winning the race is the ultimate dream for any professional sailor.

One of the most significant aspects of this race is that it pushes endurance and technology to new heights. Innovations in areas like set sail design, navigation, and boat construction are often stimulated by the demands of the race.

2. America's Cup

One of the biggest races on the international sailing calendar, the America's Cup is a test of skill and endurance for sailors. It also showcases technological advancements and human achievement, especially in maritime technology. The race's historical significance and the unique challenges it presents make it one of the most epic sailing races in the world, attracting the best talent and capturing the imagination of sailing enthusiasts worldwide.

The America's Cup is one of the most prestigious sailing races in the world, attracting top talent and showcasing fascinating innovations in yacht design. The race distance varies depending on the specific competition and location, but regardless of the length, it's always a test of skill and endurance for both the defending champion and the challengers.

The America's Cup race route presents numerous challenges for sailors. Changing weather conditions, difficult currents, demanding tactics and maneuvers, as well as the complexity of operating high-performance sailing yachts make this race very demanding.

Each edition offers unique challenges due to the specific venue, but all of them push sailors to their limits, showcasing their expertise and adaptability.

The America's Cup has a rich history dating back to 1851, when it was originally known as the "R.Y.S. £100 Cup." It was first awarded by the Royal Yacht Squadron for a race around the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom, won by a schooner named "America."

As the oldest international sporting trophy, the America's Cup holds a special place in the world of sailing and attracts the best of the best, including notable sailors like Sir Ben Ainslie. As for other sailing events on a global scale, races like the Kiel Week and SailGP Series have their own unique characteristics and challenges.

Each race contributes to the rich tapestry of competitive sailing, but the King’s Cup stands out as the pinnacle of the sport, showcasing the epitome of human achievement and ingenuity in the world of sailboat racing.

Some key facts about the America's Cup and other sailing races include:

• Defender: The current holder of the America's Cup.
• Challenger: The teams contesting the current holder of the America's Cup.
• Kiel Week: A prestigious annual sailing event in Germany that is considered the largest sailing event in the world.
• SailGP Series: A high-speed, global sailing championship featuring cutting-edge technology and intense competition.

3. Barcolana Regatta, Italy

The Barcolana Regatta is a mass start sailing race held annually in early October in the Gulf of Trieste, Italy, since 1969. Over 5000 boats of various sizes participate in the 16-nautical mile course around weather marks and inflatable buoys. What makes Barcelona unique is its record-breaking mass start, where all boats cross the starting line simultaneously, creating a spectacular sight. It is the largest sailboat race in the world by number of participants.

The main race of the Barcolana Regatta is held over a set distance of 16 nautical miles. All boats sail around a rectangular course in the Gulf of Trieste, rounding six weather marks and navigating through a narrow channel in the middle of the race. With over 5000 boats racing simultaneously over this distance, coordination of the mass start and finish is a major logistical challenge for organizers.

The 16-nautical mile course contains several navigational obstacles that add difficulty. Boats must round six designated weather marks in the Gulf while avoiding other vessels in the massive starting fleet. Navigating the narrow channel that splits the course is especially tricky with thousands of boats around.

Historic Significant

The Barcolana Regatta holds the world record for the largest sailing race by number of participants, with over 5000 boats taking part in the mass start each year. When it began in 1969 in Trieste, Italy, its innovative format of a mass simultaneous start for such a huge fleet racing was truly pioneering and helped make the event iconic. Over the past 50+ years, the Barcolana has grown exponentially in scale and popularity, leaving its indelible mark on the sailing calendar.

4. Fastnet Race

The Fastnet Race, also known as the Rolex Fastnet Race , is one of the most iconic and challenging sailing races in the world. This prestigious event, which takes place every two years, attracts sailors from around the globe who dream of tackling its challenging route and making their mark in sailing history.

The Fastnet Race covers a distance of approximately 608 nautical miles, making it a demanding and thrilling experience for participants. Competing yachts must navigate a complex route that includes several strategic waypoints and natural obstacles.

The Fastnet Race is known for its distinctive route, which begins in Cowes on the Isle of Wight and travels along the southern coast of England towards Land's End. It then heads out to the Irish Sea, where competitors must round the legendary Fastnet Rock before heading back towards the finish line in Plymouth.

Some of the key challenges along the route include:

• Navigating the Solent: A notoriously tricky stretch of water, the Solent is filled with strong currents and heavy shipping traffic that can be difficult to maneuver through.
• Tackling Land's End: Rounding this famous headland often presents unpredictable wind and sea conditions that can test even the most experienced sailors.
• Rounding Fastnet Rock: Located 12 miles off the coast of Ireland, Fastnet Rock is both a breathtaking sight and a formidable navigational challenge. Known as the "Teardrop of Ireland," it marks the halfway point of the race and is a notorious spot for strong tides and rough seas.

The Fastnet Race has a rich history dating back to 1925, when it was first organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the New York Yacht Club. Since then, it has grown in popularity and prestige, attracting an increasingly diverse fleet of boats and participants. Today, it is considered one of the most significant offshore races in the world, with sailors from various backgrounds and skill levels taking part in the event.

Notable moments in Fastnet Race history include:

• 1979 Disaster: The 1979 race is remembered for a tragic storm that claimed the lives of 15 sailors . This event led to numerous safety improvements within the sport of sailing, ultimately making offshore races safer for future participants.
• Record-breaking Races: The Rolex Fastnet Race 2023 saw exceptional competition and remarkable performances, with several records being broken throughout the event.

Here’s a table showing the Fastest Finishing Times in Recent Fastnet Races:

5. Vendée Globe

The Vendée Globe is a prestigious single-handed, round-the-world yacht race that takes place every four years. It is known for being one of the most grueling, most challenging sailing races, attracting the best sailors from around the world.

The Vendée Globe covers approximately 24,000 nautical miles, making it one of the longest sailboat races in the world, according to the Guinness World Record. Sailors typically spend about nine months at sea navigating a demanding course that takes them through multiple climate zones and oceans. The race’s solitary nature adds to the challenge, as sailors must rely on their own sailing skills and resilience to endure long periods of isolation and danger.

This table shows the Vendée Globe Race Distance

The Vendée Globe is known for its treacherous route that poses a variety of challenges along the way. Competitors must face the unpredictable weather and treacherous seas of the Southern Ocean, which circles the three capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn.

They also sail through the notoriously dangerous waters of the North and South Atlantic Oceans, often dealing with intense storms and rapidly challenging conditions.

The Vendée Globe race was first held in 1989-1990, inspired by the 1968 Golden Globe race. The race has since grown in popularity, with each edition drawing more competitors and spectators. With its challenging course and demanding conditions, the Vendée Globe has earned the title of the "world's toughest sailing race" .

Competitors in the race have reached remarkable milestones and set new records for sailing accomplishments, such as the fastest circumnavigation or the highest number of consecutive race completions.

In the race's history, there have been numerous stories of heroism and camaraderie among the sailors. For instance, in the 2020 race, the eventual winner Yannick Bestaven was awarded time redress for his role in the rescue of fellow competitor Kevin Escoffier , demonstrating that even in the harshest of conditions, human connections and shared experiences remain at the heart of the sailing community.

6. Transpac Race

The Transpac Race is a prestigious and challenging sailing season event in the world. It offers participants a chance to test their skills and resolve against the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

The Transpacific Yacht Race, commonly known as the Transpac, covers an impressive distance of approximately 2,225 nautical miles. This long journey begins from San Pedro near Los Angeles, California, and ends at Diamond Head, just off the coast of Honolulu, Hawaii. Sailing across the Pacific Ocean is a true test of endurance and strategy for all participants.

The Transpac presents a variety of daunting challenges for sailors, including:

• Trade Winds: Competitors must navigate through the North Pacific High, a region of high atmospheric pressure that results in light and variable winds. This can be a significant barrier to progress as finding optimum wind conditions becomes crucial.
• Weather Systems: Sailors may encounter unpredictable shifts in weather conditions. Tropical storms or Pacific cyclones can develop, and participants have to be prepared to adapt their strategies accordingly.
• Ocean Currents: Ocean currents, such as the California Current and North Equatorial Current, can either aid or hinder progress. It is essential for sailors to understand these currents and their effects on the race.

Since its inception in 1906, the Transpac has showcased the resilience and determination of sailors from around the world. Among its notable achievements are:

• Fastest Finishes: In 2017, two records were broken. The ORMA 60 trimaran, Mighty Merloe, set the fully crewed multi-hull elapsed time record at four days, 6 hours, 32 minutes, and 30 seconds . Additionally, the monohull yacht Comanche established a new fully crewed monohull elapsed time record of 5 days, 1 hour, 55 minutes, and 26 seconds.
• Long-Standing Participants: Certain individuals have exhibited remarkable dedication to the race. Roy P. Disney and Gary Weisman each participated in 25 Transpac match races between 1969 and 2021.
• Youthful Vigor: The youngest crew members to participate in the Transpac were Larry Folsom Jr. (11 years and 35 days old) in 1975 and Virginia Munsey (11 years and 42 days old) in 1957.

7. Rolex Middle Sea Race

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is undoubtedly one of the most epic sailing races in the world. This prestigious, classic yacht race features a diverse range of sailing conditions, presenting unique challenges for participating sailors and their high-tech racing yachts. The race has a prestigious history and is considered a favorite among sailing enthusiasts.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race consists of a 606-nautical mile (1,122 km) course, testing sailors' abilities, endurance, and navigational skills. The race, therefore, stands out as a rigorous test of sailing prowess and a true adventure for those daring enough to join the challenge.

One of the most captivating aspects of the Rolex Middle Sea Race is its diverse and challenging route. The race starts and finishes in the historic Grand Harbour of Malta and navigates around the world's beautiful Mediterranean Sea, featuring some of the most stunning vistas this region has to offer.

The race takes sailors around Sicily, through the Strait of Messina, around the volcanic Aeolian Islands, past Pantelleria and Lampedusa before the final stretch back to Malta. Sailors in this race encounter numerous navigational challenges, such as unpredictable weather patterns, narrow passages, and strong currents.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race was first established in 1968 by a group of passionate yachtsmen residing in Malta. Over the years, the race has grown in stature and now enjoys international recognition for its unique course and testing nature. Today, it attracts elite sailors from around the globe, contributing to Malta's rich sailing heritage.

8. Around the Island Race (Isle of Wight)

The Around the Island Race is an epic sailing race that captivates participants and spectators alike. The Isle of Wight's multifaceted coastline offers thrilling challenges to sailors while also showcasing the beautiful scenery and rich history of the region.

The annual Round the Island Race is a popular one-day sailing event, taking place around the beautiful Isle of Wight, located off the south coast of England. This thrilling competition tests over 1,200 boats and around 10,000 sailors on a course that spans approximately 50 nautical miles (93 km). It stands as one of the largest yacht races globally, as well as the fourth largest participation biennial event in the UK.

As competitors make their way around the island, they encounter a range of route challenges:

• Tide: Knowledge of tidal currents is crucial for a successful performance, as they can either positively or negatively impact a boat's speed.
• Wind: The Isle of Wight's varying coastline requires elite and amateur sailors to master quick changes in wind direction and strength.
• Navigation: Keeping a safe distance from other boats and hazards, like hidden rocks, is essential to avoid collisions or damage.

The first race, Round the Island Race, took place in 1931, and since then, it has grown in popularity and prestige. Held annually in Cowes, the race is organized by the well-respected Island Sailing Club. Cowes Week, an iconic sailing event in the UK, combines tradition with modernity and welcomes all levels of sailors to take part.

9. Cowes Week

The Cowes Week is a prestigious annual sailing regatta held in Cowes, Isle of Wight, England, since 1826. It is one of the oldest and largest yachting events in the world, featuring races over seven days for around 1000 boats of various classes. Cowes Week is known for its lively social scene and the opportunity to watch top-level sailing from the shore.

The races held during Cowes Week cover various distances depending on the boat class, ranging from short windward-leeward courses up to 50 nautical miles. The exact distances change each year depending on weather and tide conditions.

The narrow tidal channels between the Isle of Wight's mainland and surrounding islands present a navigation challenge for sailors. Strong currents, shallow waters, and numerous hazards require precise boat handling and route planning to complete the courses safely within the tidal windows.

Historic Significance

As one of the oldest regattas still held today, Cowes Week has historical significance as the forerunner of modern yacht racing. It helped establish Cowes and the Isle of Wight as a global hub for sailing and yachting in the 19th century. Many famous races and innovations occurred here that shaped the sport.

10. Cape2Rio Yacht Race

The Cape2Rio Yacht Race is a prestigious and challenging sailing event that has attracted participants and spectators worldwide over the past 50 years. This race tests the sailors' endurance and navigational skills as they face unpredictable weather conditions and rough seas on their journey from Cape Town, South Africa, to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Cape2Rio Yacht Race covers a total distance of approximately 3,600 nautical miles, making it one of the longest yacht races in the Southern Atlantic. This race is a true testament to the abilities of the sailors and the seaworthiness of their vessels, taking roughly 14 to 21 days to complete, depending on the weather conditions and boat performance.

The race route presents several challenges for the sailors, who must navigate their way through various obstacles, including

• The unpredictable and powerful South Atlantic High is a high-pressure system that generates strong winds and heavy swells.
• The infamous Cape of Good Hope is known for its treacherous waters, strong currents, and rapidly changing weather conditions.
• The Benguella Current is a cold water current running from Antarctica that can cause hazardous sea states when it encounters opposing winds.
• The doldrums are an equatorial region characterized by light winds and intense heat, which can test the sailors' patience and stamina.

Since its inception in 1971, the Cape2Rio Yacht Race has a rich history and has seen the participation of some of the world’s most renowned sailors. The race has witnessed remarkable moments and evolved over time as new vessels, innovations, and navigation techniques have taken center stage.

Some notable historical achievements in the race include

• The all-female team aboard Maiden made history in 1989 by proving that women sailors compete at the highest level of yacht racing in different styles, paving the way for future female sailors
• The victory of the development crew from the Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy, who were sponsored by Alexforbes, made a significant impact on the race and yacht racing community in South Africa.
• It has also surpassed the Hobart Yacht race as one of the most popular sailing races in the southern hemisphere.

Stories that Define Epic Sailing Races

Sailing races are not just about navigating the open sea; they are also about the incredible stories and moments that unfold during these epic adventures.

1. A Race Against Nature

One of the most heart-pounding aspects of sailing races is the unpredictability of the open ocean. We'll share stories of high-stakes rescues where sailors found themselves in dire straits, battling ferocious storms and treacherous conditions. Discover how the camaraderie among competitors often transcends rivalry when lives are on the line.

2. Pushing the Limits

Sailing races have a rich history of record-breaking performances that leave us in awe. We'll explore the jaw-dropping achievements of sailors who pushed the limits of what's possible. From circumnavigating the globe in record time to achieving mind-boggling speeds, these moments of triumph remind us of the boundless human spirit.

3. Legendary Comebacks

In the world of sailing, setbacks are common, but it's the comebacks that truly inspire. We'll recount stories of sailors who faced seemingly insurmountable challenges only to rally and make epic comebacks. These tales of resilience and determination serve as powerful reminders that in sailing, as in life, you should never give up.

4. Photo Finishes

Sailing races often culminate in thrilling photo finishes that keep spectators on the edge of their seats. We'll take you through heart-pounding moments when victory was decided by mere seconds or inches. These races are a testament to the skill, strategy, and nerve required to compete at the highest level.

5. Plot Twists at Sea

No sailing race is complete without a few unexpected plot twists. We'll recount stories of races where unforeseen events turned the tide of sailing competition. Whether it's a sudden shift in the wind, a collision with marine life, or a strategic gamble paying off, these twists add technical elements of suspense and excitement to the races.

Jacob Collier

Born into a family of sailing enthusiasts, words like “ballast” and “jibing” were often a part of dinner conversations. These days Jacob sails a Hallberg-Rassy 44, having covered almost 6000 NM. While he’s made several voyages, his favorite one is the trip from California to Hawaii as it was his first fully independent voyage.

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8 Types of Sailing Races (Regattas and More)

If you’ve ever considered taking part in a sailboat race, whether professional or recreational, you might not have thought that there are a number of different types of sailboat races.

My first experience was an informal “I bet we can beat you to that island”, so nothing too sophisticated the first time around for me. Of course, there are more serious and exciting races for sailboats out there!

So what are the different types of sailing races? The most popular type of sailing races include:

• Offshore/Oceanic

Whether you’re just starting to learn how to sail or you’ve had some experience already on the water, taking part in a race can be quite fun.

Making sure you tack at the right moments, trim the sails so they’re fully grabbing the wind, and communicate effectively with the rest of your crew is crucial to winning a sailing race .

Fortunately, the sailing community can be one of the friendliest out there so getting your feet wet (no pun intended) with sailing races is not only fun but a great way to hone your sailing skills by learning and doing in clutch situations.

And a great first step into joining that next sailing race is to find out the different types of sailing races, which we’ll dive into now!

8 Types of Sailing Races

1. fleet racing.

The most common type of sailing race that you can compete in is a fleet race. Put simply, a fleet race can be from a handful to hundreds of sailboats racing around a specified course. The course is usually a set of landmarks and can be as small as a lake and as large as an ocean (e.g., the Volvo Ocean Race).

Fleet races have two major distinctions: one-design and handicap. A one-design fleet race indicates that all of the sailboats competing in the race must be of the same design, sail area, etc.

This is the go-to style of a fleet race for Olympic sailing competitions. A handicap fleet race occurs when the competing sailboats are designed differently resulting in giving them a different rating so their final times can be adjusted accordingly.

2. Match Racing

Another very common type of sailing race is match racing, which is when two sailboats that are exactly the same in terms of design, brand, and anything else race each other in a course race. Similar to fleet racing, the match race also takes place in a so-called course with specific locations to reach.

A match race can be very exciting and full of pressure because there are only the two identical sailboats with the only difference being the crew.

That means precision and execution are extremely important! Also, match races always take place in a windward-leeward course, which consists of an upwind and a downwind leg that are lapped 1-4 times depending on the race.

3. Team Racing

Team racing can be one of the more exciting types of racing since it involves two teams of 2-3 sailboats racing a course similar to a fleet and match race.

While quite similar to a match race in terms of having two teams, the added bonus of having multiple sailboats gives it a bit of nuance. Just like a match race, the sailboats tend to be identical, however, team races don’t often last as long and thus are quite short.

A team race works by divvying up points to each team based on the sailboats that cross the finish line in a certain order.

For example, the first sailboat receives one point, the second sailboat receives two points, and so on. After every single sailboat has crossed the finish line, the points are tallied up per team and the team with the lowest number of points wins.

4. Regatta Racing

Probably my favorite type of sailing race is a regatta race simply because it’s generally more relaxed (but, surely, not always) than the previous races mentioned and they can last several days.

Plus the format of regatta races can vary widely when it comes to the types of sailboats used, the course, and the number of participants.

Since a regatta race can span multiple days, you’ll always tie your sailboat somewhere during the afternoon or evening and enjoy the company of your team and the rest of the competition.

In my opinion, the social aspect of a regatta race is probably what draws most people to them in the first place. The combination of multi-day sailing, competition, traveling, and social interaction is hard to beat!

5. Offshore/Oceanic Racing

If you’re looking to get out into the Ocean and participate in longer races, look no further than offshore/oceanic racing.

Similar to regatta racing, offshore racing is longer than your average race and can span days and even weeks. The sailboats that compete in offshore racing can either be of the same design (one-design style) or different (handicap style).

Offshore racing requires good experience in operating and navigating a sailboat in open waters as well as having the right sailing gear and endurance to sail day and night.

Most offshore races exceed 800 miles in length as well, so the amount of time sailing should come as no surprise. It’s not uncommon for sailboats to compete in a trans-Atlantic sailboat race with one of the more notable races being from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean.

6. Paralympic Racing

No one should be deprived of sailing and that includes sailing races. Paralympic racing is a type of sailing race that encourages those with disabilities to compete in sailing races.

The types of races can vary between the types we’ve already covered while most are fleet or team races. Based on the abilities of the crew member, teams are matched up and allowed to compete with one another.

7. Twilight Racing

One of the more relaxing and fun types of sailing races is twilight racing since it wraps up toward the end of the evening and includes a social gathering.

There can be any number of sailboats that participate in a twilight race as long as they finish the course and get to a common location for a nice social evening for all the competitors.

Almost without exception, twilight racing happens in the summer months and is quite enjoyable.

After giving it your all during a race, finishing with the sun going down and a drink (or two) in-sight can be a great feeling. Twilight races oftentimes include the use of two sails and sometimes allow for the option of using a genoa or spinnaker sail.

8. Club Racing

If you’re a member of a club or association that’s aimed at sailing, more likely than not you’ll have the opportunity to join in on some club racing.

While this is more of a situation form of the previous types of sailing, they can be a tad bit more competitive since you’re competing with people you’re often in contact with. Who doesn’t want that nice, shiny club trophy!

The Different Types of Sailboats for Racing

If you end up taking an active part in racing sailboats, you’ll quickly become acquainted with a number of different types of sailboats.

Depending on the sailing race you’ll be a part of, they’ll either allow for a diverse set of sailboats (handicap style) or a specific type of sailboat (one-design style).

A sloop sailboat is the classic single mast, double sail setup. The types of sails on a sloop consist of a mainsail and a headsail.

The headsail can be different types of jibs, including the genoa, spinnaker, or gennaker sails. The headsail is connected to the forestay on the mast and runs all the way to the top of the mast.

A catamaran is a sailboat that has multiple hulls (usually two) and no keel. Instead of a keel, a catamaran gets its stability from having a very wide beam.

As a matter of fact, catamarans are usually faster than monohull sailboats, especially when in the running and broad reach points of sail.

A cutter is an interesting setup since it’s similar to the sloop, but instead of one forestay it has two. With two forestays on the mast, cutters are able to house two headsails.

This can be a preferred setup because it allows for easy cruising due to it offering a diverse combination of points of sail for different strengths of wind.

Just like a sloop, it has a mast that allows for a mainsail and headsail with a full range forestay, but it also has a smaller-sized mast between the mainmast and the stern of the sailboat.

This mast configuration was commonly used in Northern European freighter and fishing boats and is called the mizzen mast.

Related Questions

What kind of sailing gear do I need in a sailing race? You’ll need a good set of deck shoes, clothes that match the weather, a good sailing watch , and gloves.

Are sailing races dangerous? Just like any other sport, there are dangers to sailing races including running into other sailing boats, falling overboard, and being hit by the boom. Unless you’re crossing the Ocean, sailing races are relatively safe compared to other sports.

Do I need to be an experienced sailor to race? You don’t need to be an experienced sailor to join a sailing race as most sailboats are commanded by a captain who has experience already. As a matter of fact, many sailboats need more crew members to participate in races, so being a volunteer crew member is a great way to learn more about sailing.

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Who will win the 37th America’s Cup?

• Helen Fretter
• August 21, 2024

On the cusp of the 37th America’s Cup, we take a look at all six contenders. Could this be the closest America's Cup competition yet?

We admit it, we’re excited. The 37th America’s Cup has all the signs of being a good one. At six teams in total, it may not match the entry numbers of the last Challengers series in Spain (the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup in Valencia, when 12 teams duked it out for a chance to race Alinghi), but the intriguing thing about this Cup is that there are no real ‘wildcard’ entries. Even the newest or latest entries have the potential to deliver a strong showing in the Louis Vuitton Cup.

For this second edition held in the AC75 class there have also been some rule changes. From a spectator perspective the primary change is likely to be that the boats are designed to get foiling, and stay foiling, in much lighter winds, avoiding the painful ‘low-riding’ mode which dogged some teams last time around.

That’s not to say it will all be easy: the light winds and confused wave patterns that often dominate waters off Barcelona in early autumn could prove challenging for competitors and organisers alike.

Another big shift is the introduction of the AC40 . These nippy mini-Cup boats have been multipurpose – used as test platforms for innovation, as race boats for the new Youth America’s Cup and Women’s America’s Cup events, and training boats.

One thing we’ve gleaned from watching the AC40 two-boat training is that the current Cup teams are preparing for battle, match racing style. With the new AC75s expected to be closely matched in speed, there’s every indication that this America’s Cup could see a return to dial-ups, slam-dunk tacks and nail-bitingly close crosses – all at 50 knot boat speeds. Let the Challenge begin…

ETNZ’s Taihoro has a plumb bow and sharp skeg with a flared forward section, then a full length bustle with rudder hung from it. However the real magic may lie beneath, in the control systems below deck. Photo: James Somerset/Emirates Team New Zealand

Emirates Team New Zealand

The Defenders are certainly going to be hard to beat. Not only did they hold all the cards when it came to creating the Protocol and choosing the venue for AC37, but they also only need to build a boat which can win the Match, rather than also needing to be fastest in the earlier Louis Vuitton Series.

Grant Dalton is known for driving a team with a laser-sharp focus, and ETNZ held a successful home defence during the strange Covid bubble Cup of 2021. But this time they are hosting an event on the opposite side of the world, with multiple Preliminary regattas, and a Women’s and Youth event, and all the compilations and distractions that brings.

Emirates Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup boat

ETNZ’s Taihoro looks like a refined 2nd generation AC75 and a progression of their previous winning design. While not outwardly radical, the most progressive ideas are likely to be concealed in key areas like control systems, with the team showcasing a mainsheet design that appears to save structural weight and offer energy efficiency. Though the team initially lost sailing time shipping their new boat to Spain, Taihoro will be developed right through the Challenger series.

Peter Burling. Photo: Emirates Team New Zealand

Emirates Team New Zealand’s team

Skipper Pete Burling shares helming duties this time around with foiling super-talent Nathan Outteridge (the Australian has lived in New Zealand since 2018). Blair Tuke, Andy Maloney and Josh Junior are among the ETNZ crew who, like Burling, return to bid for a hat-trick third Cup win.

INEOS Britannia has a substantial bustle or skeg that ends before a transom hung rudder. The complex hull shapes suggest the influence of F1 aerodynamics expertise. Photo: Job Vermeulen/America’s Cup

INEOS Britannia

Every British Challenge comes with a monumental weight of expectation – in 173 years Britain is yet to win the Cup. On paper, this could be the strongest and most consistent yet. However, there have been big changes – both in personnel and the partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas.

Of all the F1 collaborations in this Cup cycle, the British seem to have gone the furthest and the team has said enough to suggest that it was, at times, a somewhat challenging process. A complex LEQ12 boat also proved testing in every sense: capsizing, nearly catching fire, and with structure failures. However, the Brits will be hoping they can trust the process, and that F1’s data-driven approach and relentless striving for reliability will pay off by the Challenger series. It will be a truly epic sporting moment if they can get to face the Defender.

INEOS Britannia’s America’s Cup boat

INEOS Britannia is a complex beast, with geometry that shows the influence of the detailed aerodynamic tools used in the F1 car designs. Britannia has a powerful looking ‘bustle’ or skeg, which ends before a transom-hung rudder – there’s been plenty of speculation about exactly why, but all the teams have moved the centre of gravity forward, shifting the crew weight closer to the mast base in an effort to improve righting moment.

Ben Ainslie. Photo: INEOS Britannia

INEOS Britannia’s team

Ben Ainslie and Giles Scott will helm (Scott has been sharpening his foiling race skills on the GBR F50 in SailGP ). Britain’s strength in cycling and rowing has also given the squad new talent to bolster the power crew, joining more experienced campaigners like Ben Cornish and Neil Hunter.

The new Patriot has a markedly low volume hull, with recumbent cyclors facing aft. Photo: Job Vermeulen/America’s Cup

NYYC American Magic

American Magic were looking like one of the strongest contenders in the last Cup cycle, before Patriot ’s infamous crash during the Prada Cup ruled them out of being competitive. The team dug deep to try to rebuild and return – and won many fans for their determination against the odds – but there’s no question the America’s Cup is unfinished business for backers Doug Devos and Hap Fauth, and Terry Hutchinson (who moves to an off the water skipper/president role).

They are clearly in it for the long-haul – a new high performance sailing base is being built in Pensacola, Florida, though whether that’s planned as a base from which to launch their next challenge, or to host the America’s Cup remains to be determined…

American Magic’s America’s Cup Boat

The new Patriot is different from many of the other AC75s this time. Recumbent cyclors face aft – though it’s accepted a recumbent position will generate less power than a ‘sit up’ bike. Helm and flight controller pods are next to each other, rather than inline, which moves weight forward – but likely with an aerodynamic hit. So can Patriot ’s markedly lower volume design, with increased mainsail area swept down to a low profile deck and a lowered centre of effort, outperform those compromises? Many think it can.

Tom Slingsby (left) and Paul Gooodison (right). Photo: American Magic

American Magic’s Team

Australian Tom Slingsby ’s helming talents were sorely missed in the last Cup, but thanks to a US passport he’s on one wheel of Patriot. Brit Paul Goodison takes the other, moving from mainsheet trim. It’s a formidable partnership, which got off to a winning start at the first Preliminary Regatta.

The Italian boat has sleek lines and a lower volume hull with a slim line wave-piercing ‘bustle’, and crew in a deep pod for low windage. Photo: Job Vermeulen/America’s Cup

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli

These days it’s hard to imagine the America’s Cup without Patrizio Bertelli and a silver and red Prada-liveried Italian entry. This is their sixth Challenge since 2000, the third skippered by Max Sirena. The Italians have a remarkable record, having been a finalist in the Challengers series four times, twice winning, beaten in two Cup matches and two Challenger finals by Team New Zealand.

But they’ve never gone one better – is this their year? The Italians have had an apparently smooth build-up to the 37th Cup, training off Cagliari year-round in a wide range of conditions in the AC40 and LEQ12, before launching their AC75 there.

The team also picked up a confidence-boosting 2nd place in the Jeddah Preliminary Regatta, behind – of course – Emirates Team New Zealand.

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli’s America’s Cup boat

The Italian team’s silver bullet is an undeniably stylish machine, with a sleek design characterised by organic flowing shapes rather than the computer generated angles of other teams. The low volume hull has a deep, slim skeg to slice through the Barcelona waves.

Helm stations are positioned well forward, and the team has been experimenting with fighter jet-style canopies for their AC75 pilots – while we understand there are cameras under the hood for improved all-round visibility.

Jimmy Spithill. Photo: Studio Borlenghi/ACE

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli’s team

The Italians were first to introduce split helms in the last Cup and the easy patter between Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni delighted fans. Spithill has stepped out of SailGP in order to focus on the Cup this time, but talented younger drivers Ruggero Tita and Marco Gradoni also made a big impression in the AC40s in Jeddah.

The Alinghi Red Bull Racing AC75 was first to launch and has one of the most radical hull shapes. Photo: Olaf Pignataro/Alinghi Red Bull Racing

Alinghi Red Bull Racing

Inviting jokes about running like Swiss clockwork, Alinghi were first to roll out their AC75 in April, but the team’s return to the Cup arena has been slick from the start. They were first (after the Challenger of Record) to throw their hat into the ring, and first to get sailing in Barcelona (with ETNZ’s former AC75), then spent a winter two-boat training in AC40s in Jeddah – also taking 3rd in the Preliminary Regatta there (ahead of American Magic and INEOS Britannia).

Alinghi remains the only European team ever to have won the America’s Cup (in 2003 and 2007), but since their defeat in 2010 Bertarelli has kept his powder dry. The reformed syndicate, partnered with F1 team Red Bull Racing, is not to be underestimated.

Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s America’s Cup boat

The Botin-designed SUI-100 BoatOne features some radical angles and intriguing curves which suggest the influence of F1 team Red Bull Racing in the hull shape’s aerodynamics – the boat has markedly truncated topsides which end abruptly before the transom, and a scooped foredeck. BoatOne dismasted in June, however Alinghi was quick to re-step a new mast, and the team now has a possible advantage of knowing more about the one-design rig’s limitations than other Challengers…

Arnaud Psarofaghi. Photo: Samo Vidic/Alinghi Red Bull Racing

Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s team

The strict nationality rule means Alinghi needed to find home-grown talent for AC37 but Switzerland has a strong tradition of lake racing in radical high performance designs. The Swiss squad is young, with experience in foiling classes like the GC32 and TF35. Skipper Arnaud Psarofaghis is a double foiling Moth European champion. Older hands behind the scenes have included Brad Butterworth and Dean Barker.

The French AC75 is designed by Emirates Team New Zealand, built in France. Teams have the option to further develop areas such as foils, so the two boats may diverge. Photo: Job Vermeulen/America’s Cup

Orient Express Racing Team

The French Orient Express team was the last to enter the 37th America’s Cup, and the last to launch their AC75. There is plenty of knowledge of both the Cup and how to build a winning campaign in this camp – joint CEOs are K-Challenge founder Stephan Kandler and Dongfeng team boss Bruno Dubois, while Franck Cammas is head of performance.

Dubois has been open about the fact that the team is running on a much smaller budget than many of its rivals, but with that comes efficiency of decision making and a sharp focus. Sound familiar? It’s the same backs-against-the-wall ethos the Kiwis are famed for, from another of the greatest sailing nations in the world. Early indications are this team could punch above its weight.

Orient Express Racing Team’s America’s Cup boat

The French bought a design package from Emirates Team New Zealand so their AC75 inevitably shares many characteristics with the Defender’s. It’s a fair assumption that the French boat won’t be quicker than Taihoro . However, the French team aren’t necessarily trying to beat ETNZ – to line up against them in the Match would be an extraordinary victory in itself. This campaign is about gaining knowledge, and delivering enough returns to build a team with longevity.

Quentin Delapierre. Photo: Alexander Champy-McLean

Orient Express Racing’s Team

The Orient Express crew overlap closely with the French SailGP team (also managed by Dubois), and have picked up 2nd overall at two GP events this season. Though lacking Cup match racing experience, skipper Quentin Delapierre and crew sprung a major surprise when they finished 3rd at the first Preliminary Regatta in Vilanova.

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• What to expect tonight

Pensacola's American Magic yacht racing team competes in America's Cup in Barcelona

by WEAR staff

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The America's Cup Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta will be getting underway off the coast of Barcelona on Thursday.

American Magic is one of several teams who will be showing off their new AC75 racing yachts for the very first time.

The yacht racing team has established permanent roots in Pensacola, as they signed a 10-year lease agreement with the city.

A new headquarters is being built at the Port of Pensacola.

Mayor DC Reeves says progress is underway on the project.

"They are our home team. As a matter of fact, if you drive by on Bayfront now, you can see repairs," he said. "The repair permit is underway for the existing structure at warehouse ten. So you'll notice if you drive by there now that some of the paneling is off. You can see the bones of the building a little more clear now. So we're very excited. We're getting weekly updates from the contractors on that progress. That's really the first phase is to get the shell, the skeleton of the building, where it needs to be."

Match races will run from Thursday through Sunday.

You can catch the races on the America's Cup Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Click here for more information on the event.

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The Marvelous AC75s On Deck

• By Dave Reed
• August 20, 2024

April began with new-boat reveals that highlight the innovations of the second-generation AC75s for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup . While similar in size and scale, no one boat is alike. 

Alinghi Red Bull Racing, of the Swiss camp, was first to show its AC75, BoatOne , in a theatric soiree, giving observers and other teams a peek at the boat’s design traits. Its straight and narrow bow profile transitions to a long and tapered bustle that goes all the way to the stern. The walls of BoatOne ’s tall crew pods stop sharply before the transom section, leaving what amounts to a long overhang to accommodate the internal rudder elements. Bumps sculpted into the foredeck are said to redirect wind flow into the jib and down the middle of the boat for aerodynamic gains.

America’s Cup defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, was next to reveal, with a soft launch, followed by a foiling session the following day. With a naming ceremony that came a week later, the Kiwis’ AC75, Taihoro , was blessed for action, and they went straight into sailing in Auckland. Unlike the high cockpit walls of Alinghi’s BoatOne , however, those of Taihoro taper down toward to the ­transom scoop, which houses the mainsheet traveler system in a trench, and the rudder assembly.

The following day in Cagliari, the Italians of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli rolled out their metallic silver AC75, a menacing-looking design that has its pronounced curves and a significant bustle which rises toward the stern. The boat’s tall cockpits produce a deep trench through the middle of the boat. 

INEOS Britannia was fourth from behind the curtain with a boat dubbed RB3 . It’s different enough from Alinghi’s and ETNZ’s AC75s to be dangerous. The plumb bow starts sharp and maintains a steep deadrise before flaring out to a flatter bottom. A pronounced ­bustle tapers off near the stern and transitions to a thin skeg that ends short of the rudder.

The New York YC’s American Magic revealed its boat, Patriot , in early May, blessing it and going sailing on the same day. It’s certainly a different look, summarized by the team’s design coordinator, Scott Ferguson. “We followed our own design path with Patriot as we pushed the limits of the AC75 rule while tailoring for the Barcelona venue,” he says. “Our overall philosophy is minimalistic, as we’ve tried to squeeze down our volumes to the base minimum while still fitting the crew and systems into the boat.”

With the French Orient Express Racing Team pulling from Team New Zealand’s design package, there’s an expectation that its ­platform will not be too far off the defender when it comes to light soon enough. It had not yet been launched at press time.

In terms of crew-pod assignments, cyclors have now taken the back seats, mostly concealed and out of the airstream, while ­trimmers and helmsmen take the front seats for a better view of the action. American Magic went to the extreme, positioning three pods inboard, two well aft in the boat, with cyclors on recumbent bikes.

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Want to See America’s Cup Racing Up Close? These 9 Yacht Charters Let You Watch From the Water

Options range from 200-foot-plus superyachts with side trips to ibiza to intimate sailing vessels catered by michelin-starred chefs. let the races begin., jemima sissons, jemima sissons's most recent stories.

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Next week, when the 37 th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup kicks off in Barcelona with its opening ceremony, the contest that began in 1851 with a race around the Isle of Wight between the fastest British and American sloops (the yacht America won handily) will come back to Europe for the first time in 14 years.

The move to the Catalan capital from the 2021 event in New Zealand will make it more accessible to sailing fans in Europe, and even North Americans who want to view the fast, technical AC75 foiling boats in person. Barcelona has been preparing itself for a surge of spectators for the “return” of the Cup, which was held twice in Valencia, Spain, in the aughts.

The America’s Cup may be billed as “the race with no second place,” but it takes three months of racing and four events for one of five Challenger teams to win the Louis Vuitton Cup, and that winner will race Defender Emirates Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup final. The racing runs from August through October, and this year includes a first-time all-women’s America’s Cup as well as an event for the world’s best youth sailors.

Having Barcelona as a venue was a smart move, partly for the gorgeous beaches fronting the race course on the Med. But there is also the city’s magnificent architecture and sense of history as well as vibrant arts, culture and, of course, no shortage of Michelin-starred restaurants.

There are many five-star hotels in the area, but the smartest and most thrilling way to see racing is by water. The vessel options are wide-ranging—from weeklong superyacht charters to luxury suites on a cruise ships to day trips on sailboats with Michelin-starred cuisine. Many can be combined with on-land stays and even cruises to other parts of Spain as part of the itineraries.

One important note: Four zones adjoining the race course allow spectator boats. Before chartering a vessel, be sure to find out which zone the boat will operate in, because that impacts how close you are to the racing.

Here are 9 options to suit the most avid Cup aficionados or those visiting Barcelona who want to sip champagne and watch the AC75 foiling boats battle it out.

Superyacht ‘Resilience’

Edmiston is offering charters aboard the 212-foot Resilience during the America’s Cup. The ISA-built superyacht, designed by Enrico Gobbi, features a mosaic-tiled pool, circular fire pit and a BBQ for a ringside lunch. Post-race pampering comes via the steam room, sundeck jacuzzi and gym, and there’s even a self-playing Edelweiss piano and projector for evening entertainment. The vessel sleeps 12 across seven cabins. From September 16, weekly charters start at about $645,000 (€600,000).

Explora Journeys

The soon-to-be-launched Explora II looks very much like its sistership, the Explora I : onyx finishes, self-playing Steinways, on-deck Technogym bikes, a spa with a Himalayan salt room, Dunhill cigar den and a wine cellar boasting decades-old Chateau Latour. With 461 luxury suites, how was the Explora II chosen to become an America’s Cup viewing platform? The idea came from the top down. 

“I love sailing and believe the Med is the most beautiful sea on earth,” Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the cruise division of MSC Group, told Robb Report during a visit aboard Explora I in Barcelona. “We thought if only our customers could also experience [the America’s Cup], we can call it the ocean state of mind.” 

Explora II launches in mid-September, with itineraries planned to coincide with the different Cup events. On October 6, the vessel will be in port for the Louis Vuitton Cup Final and Puig Women’s Races. Guests can take a walk to the official race village and experience its excitement before watching the races from their suites. A 10-night journey starts from $5,210 per guest.

The Almanac Sailing Experience

Barcelona’s Almanac hotel has a romantic-gastronomic experience that offers guests front-row seats on a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45 sailboat with a capacity for 10 guests. Besides the racing, the package includes two nights at the hotel. The boat comes with the hotel’s branded slippers and Jimmy Boyd bespoke amenities. Enjoy a selection of customized Cava Bellinis from the pop-up bar. Chefs from the hotels’ restaurant will also serve up shrimp salad and fennel ceviche paired with organic Spanish wines. The boat can be chartered every Saturday from August 31 to October 26. The Louis Vuitton Cup round-robin starts on August 29 and lasts through Sept. 8. There’s also the Puig Women’s Race (first all-female America’s Cup in its 171-year history) and, of course, the America’s Cup finals in October. Prices start at $2,940 per couple. 

Superyacht ‘C’

For a majestic week-long cruise that incorporates America’s Cup summer races and possible side itineraries in Costa Dorada, Sitges and Formentera, Camper & Nicholsons’ expansive 177-ft C is the flashy option, defined by Minotti furniture, lacquered panels and a hamman. It also sleeps 12 in six cabins that feature a master and two VIP suites. Its chase boat also offers a great opportunity for side trips. Weekly charters from Sept. 18-October 31 run from about $513,000 or €400,000.

Sailing Yacht ‘Imagine’

UK adventure specialists Pelorus offer a private seat on an elegant sailing boat seeped in America’s Cup history. Built in New Zealand by Alloy Yachts, Imagine is a 110-footer that served as an official viewing platform for the America’s Cup in Auckland, but it has also completed three global circumnavigations. Beyond its sailing chops, it’s a beautiful vessel, with a blonde, teak-lined deck, large salon and dining area, and three cabins for sleeping seven guests. It will be available from October 12 for the America’s Cup final. Pelorus is also offering to bookend the week with trips to Majorca and Ibiza. About $101,000 (£79,121)

Superyacht ‘Diane’

Also available from Edmiston, the 141-ft Diane can accommodate 10 guests in five staterooms for the week. The interior is all about soft hues, featuring cream leather and white marble, boasting a bar and plenty of outdoor seating for watching the races. For the non-race legs, guests can take to the water via the large beach club, complete with seabobs and wakeboards. It has a Balearics license, making a hop to Ibiza or Majorca a possibility. Weekly charter rates from September 23 run about $150,000 per week (€140,000)

Black Tomato Cup Package

Incorporating a city-stay, Black Tomato’s America’s Cup getaway includes a day’s private day charter to view the race, plus five nights at the Mandarin Oriental as well as visiting the regatta course and different bases of the America’s Cup teams for an insider’s look at the operations and technology. As a dayboat, its Bali Yacht Saxador 400 GTO can accommodate 11 guests. It sets sail from Port Olympic, giving guests a sweeping view of the city on one side and the regatta course on the other. The boat has access to the blue area (for preferred charter boats) on the front line. From $12,750 per person, based on two people.

Superyacht ‘Quasar’

Camper & Nicholsons recently introduced the 153-foot Quasar to the charter market and what a great way to end the Med season than by viewing the America’s Cup. It has six cabins (including two master suites) that can accommodate 12 guests, along excellent outdoor seating, an upper salon that joins the aft deck area for viewing the races or dining al-fresco. The beach club has a large selection of water toys. Visits to scenic Med ports around Barcelona are also possible on the week’s charter, which start at about $232,000 (€210,000).  

Superyacht ‘Kiawah’

For front row seats on day charters in the blue zone (the third-closest area to the races), official charter partner ac37 Sailcharters offers different types of vessels and packages. The 110-foot Kiawah features a cocktail lunch on board, a specialized lecture from an expert sailor, and an AV system to follow the race in real time. From August 22 through October 11, daily rates are about $34,000 (€30,800) and during the America’s Cup finals October 12-27, rates move to about $41,000 (€37,400).

Read More On:

• America's Cup
• Louis Vuitton

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