17th Edition of Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona Regatta Kicks Off
17th Edition of the Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona Regatta Set to Commence
4-7 September 2024
Tomorrow marks the start of the highly anticipated XVII Edition of the Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona Regatta, a reference event for classic sailing enthusiasts in the Mediterranean.
From September 4th to 7th, the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona and the stunning coastline of Barcelona will showcase a collection of historic vessels from the 19th and 20th centuries. Over 900 sailors from 17 nationalities will come together to compete in this prestigious regatta.
The XVII edition of the Barcelona regatta kicks off the Premier Regatta Series, organized by the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona in conjunction with America’s Cup Event (ACE), coinciding with the 37th America’s Cup event.
The Puig Regatta has become one of the premier classic sailing events on an international scale, drawing the elite of traditional sailing to highlight the elegance and beauty of these vessels. Barcelona stands out as the only international capital to host such an event, with its recognition increasing with every edition.
Over the next four days, locals, tourists, and numerous nautical enthusiasts will witness an unparalleled maritime spectacle. The competition will turn Barcelona’s coastline into a vibrant scene filled with rich maritime tradition, promising an unforgettable experience.
Exciting News: The Return of the 12m Class
In 2024, the legendary 12M class returns as a highlight of this year’s event, a category steeped in America’s Cup history. This class celebrated its World Championship in 2014 during the VII Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Puig brand. The 12 Metre class features a select fleet of iconic boats and sailors from a remarkable period of the America’s Cup, spanning from 1958 to 1987, known for some of the most memorable competitions in the event’s storied history.
As many as 13 boats from the 12M Class will compete on the Barcelona coast, ensuring a dynamic and captivating experience for all followers of this legendary category. Unlike other categories of the Puig Vela Clàssica, races in the 12M class will be held in real-time, meaning the winner is simply the first boat to cross the finish line, without time handicaps.
The competition will feature notable entrants, including recent World Championship winners Kookaburra II (KA12) and Northern Light (US14), as well as significant historical boats like South Australia (KA-8) and Kiwi Magic (1986), among others.
A Unique Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Once again, the Puig Vela Clàssica will unite top international classic yachts and their crews. This year’s event coincides with the preliminary rounds of the Louis Vuitton Cup, creating a fascinating contrast between the timeless elegance of classic yachts—many over a century old—and the cutting-edge foiling boats of the 37th America’s Cup, offering stunning photographic opportunities.
Organized by the esteemed Real Club Náutico de Barcelona, the Puig Vela Clàssica serves as both a display of nautical skill and a remarkable floating museum for thousands to admire. The event emphasizes respect for the environment, aligning with Puig’s sustainability values through strict regulations that advocate for the use of traditional materials.
Among the participating boats in this historic edition are past champions and timeless classics, including Argyll, Argos, and Ojalá II. Notably, the three yachts from the legendary 15 MJI class, designs by William Fife III, will also compete, marking a significant event in classic sailing.
Race Details: Programs, Racecourses, and Weather Forecast
The fleet of 77 participating boats will race on the Barcelona coast, with starts scheduled at 13:00 on Wednesday and Thursday, and at 12:00 on Friday and Saturday. The 12 Metres will participate in a maximum of 12 races, with the ability to discard one result after the fifth race. Other categories, including Grand Prix, Vintage, Classic, and more, will compete across 10 planned courses, with distances ranging from 11.60 to 18.90 nautical miles.
The forecasted conditions for the four days of the Puig Vela Clàssica promise variable weather with favorable winds. Meteorologist Enric Agud anticipates easterly winds at 12-17 knots and choppy seas, with winds shifting to Garbí on Thursday. The weather is expected to remain conducive to racing throughout the event.
The XVII PUIG VELA CLÀSSICA BARCELONA Regatta is an international event recognized in the official calendar of the RFEV, scoring points for both the II International CIM Championship and the XIII Mare Nostrum Trophy – Spanish Cup of Classic Boats.
For more information, visit www.puigvelaclassica.com.
Luca Moretti, an accomplished sailor and marine journalist from Genoa, Italy, has a lifelong passion for the sea that has defined his career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Genoa, Luca is celebrated for his vivid and insightful storytelling. His work captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime traditions of Europe, making him a well-respected voice in the sailing community. When he’s not writing, Luca can be found exploring the Mediterranean’s picturesque coastlines and competing in regattas, always seeking new adventures on the open water.