The Barcelona International Boat Show wrapped up this week, having contributed to promoting the 2024 America’s Cup and bringing it closer to the city.
The show, packed the Port Vell of the Catalan capital for five days with sailing fans reinforcing its reputation as a huge sales platform for the sector and facilitator of meetings between the largest brands.
The show, by means of the Àgora Port located in El Portal de la Pau, was the setting for a wide-ranging schedule of conferences, talks and presentations, with next year’s America’s Cup playing a starring role, together with the promotion of sustainability and the blue economy. One highlight was the introductory ceremony for the six teams participating in the legendary sailing regatta due to take place in a year’s time, as well as the collaboration with the America’s Cup Experience immersive exhibition.
Various types of electric boats and engines were on display at the show this year. Organised by Fira de Barcelona in partnership with the National Association of Nautical Companies (ANEN), the show hosted more than 240 exhibitors and 640 boats, 160 of them in the floating exhibition, occupying the La Fusta, España and Port Vell docks.
Boat Show president Luis Conde said: “This year we’ve been the main promoters of the America’s Cup for sailing, with the aims of making citizens more aware of it and promoting Barcelona as a nautical capital on the international stage”.
Josep Antoni Llopart, director of the show, added: “This year we’ve continued to support companies in the sector on their journey towards more innovative navigation that’s respectful towards the marine environment”.
Organisers estimated that around 50,000 people have visited the Barcelona International Boat Show. Next year’s event will be conditioned by the holding of the 2024 America’s Cup.
