Spain's Barcelona has been officially confirmed as venue for Team New Zealand's next America's Cup defence.
Barcelona and the Catalonia region will play host to the next challenge for the 'Auld Mug', scheduled for September to October 2024, beating off competition from fellow Spanish city Malaga, Ireland's Cork and Saudi Arabia's Jeddah.
Auckland was effectively ruled out of the running as early as last June, when the Government's hosting offer was rejected by Emirates Team NZ, who searched offshore for a better deal.
"Barcelona really is one of the most recognised cities in the world, so to have the ability to host the most recognised sailing event in the world is hugely exciting," says Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton.
"As defender of the America's Cup, we have always felt the responsibility to grow the event, the audience and the sport of sailing on a global scale, and certainly having the event hosted in a significant city such as Barcelona will allow us to propel the growth trajectory on the global sporting stage.
"When thinking ahead to the 37th America's Cup and the AC75's racing within a few hundred metres of the Barcelona beach, waterfront and race village fan engagement zones, it will be nothing less than spectacular."
The news is also welcome for Challengers of Record Ineos Team UK, with a northern hemisphere venue reducing the impact of travel, a significant barrier for the 2021 America's Cup in Auckland.
"We are delighted the iconic city of Barcelona has been chosen to host the 37th America's Cup," chief executive Sir Ben Ainslie says.
"The historic weather data for Barcelona shows what a fantastic sailing venue it will be. The marina development and race area in Barcelona will offer excellent shore side facilities for the competing teams, alongside a great event village for fans of sport's oldest international trophy to enjoy this iconic sporting event."
Further details about the 2024 America's Cup will be released at a later date.
