Just three days after winning the America's Cup, Grant Dalton made a first attempt to answer the speculation surrounding the future venue for the America's Cup. The CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand gave a still very vague insight into the mind games of his team, which as the old and new Cup defender will once again be responsible for choosing the venue - or venues - as well as the format, boat class and timing.
More teams wanted for the America's Cup
Emirates Team New Zealand is facing a Herculean task and has left many hopes and some promises with the Louis Vuitton Cup of Challengers, the 37th America's Cup match, the Youth and the first Women's America's Cup and other highlights. It has not yet been decided when, where and how things will continue. The only thing that is certain is that the British Royal Yacht Squadron - Challenger of Record of the past 37th edition - has already delivered its challenge and will remain.
We want to increase viewership and engagement across different regions, territories and demographics." Grant Dalton
Towards the end of the month-long series in Barcelona, it had already become clear that the America's Cup would not be held there again. While there were many positive factors, the camps of the participating teams were far apart, preventing the creation of a more concentrated Cup atmosphere, even though the America's Cup Race Village along Port Vell was very well frequented and brought the fans together.
Grant Dalton had fuelled the realisation of the imminent departure from Barcelona in a team statement on 22 October. It initially stated that the New Zealanders were in favour of further Cup growth: "The Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup has confirmed the America's Cup as one of the unique commodities in international sport. It is therefore our aim to build on the success of AC37 and continue its growth."
Barcelona leaves the ship with its head held high
This was followed by the telling passage on Barcelona: "Based on our successes, we know we have a number of valuable assets that we want to continue to develop. We are open to how we can best achieve this with one or more venues that can provide the 38th America's Cup with a greater global presence, more teams and overall more expansion opportunities. It would be difficult to increase the number of teams based on the available infrastructure in Barcelona." Rums.
After around 2.56 million participants in the 37th America's Cup - according to the official figure from the organisers - the one-off Barcelona guest appearance will remain. There will be no Cup comeback in Barcelona. The Catalans also confirmed this to the Spanish media this week. Barcelona City Council told Catalan News that the next edition will not take place in the Spanish Mediterranean metropolis.
Jordi Valls, councillor for the economy, told Catalan News: "A new edition makes no sense. The event was unique for 2024, it was successful and the separation from the organisers was amicable." The councillor also emphasised that the sailing event had had a positive impact on the city, strengthened its international image and accelerated investment in the city.
Many ideas, no decision yet
The future of the America's Cup remains exciting for the time being. Will the America's Cup return to Auckland after all, or will the dreams of Valancia nostalgics fall on fertile ground in memory of the eleven nations taking part in 2007 and the unforgettable atmosphere? It remains to be seen whether the Kiwis will accommodate title sponsor Emirates in the direction of the United Arab Emirates, whether another European port will serve as the engine for the goal of attracting more teams again or even a combination of both.
The Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup in review - all nine races:
