America’s Cup Kicks Off in Barcelona with Louis Vuitton as Title Partner
- America's Cup, the fiercely contested yachting competition, kicks off with high stakes.
- Louis Vuitton-clad trophy is the ultimate prize in this prestigious race.
- Competitors vying for victory with no room for second place.
The highly anticipated America’s Cup, a prestigious yachting competition, begins today in Barcelona, with the event's iconic trophy, the Auld Mug, traveling in a custom Louis Vuitton trunk. This year marks the continuation of Louis Vuitton's long-standing partnership with the America’s Cup, which dates back to 1983. The competition is a winner-takes-all affair, allowing the victorious team to set the terms for the next event, including yacht design and race location. The defending champions, Emirates Team New Zealand, selected Barcelona as the venue for this year’s cup. The competition will unfold over two months, culminating in a final match race on October 12. The winning team will not only receive the coveted trophy but will also earn the right to challenge the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, a first-to-seven-wins format. The event is steeped in history, with Louis Vuitton and the America’s Cup both established in the mid-19th century. This year’s event will also feature groundbreaking additions, including the Puig Women’s America’s Cup, running from October 5-13, where 12 teams will compete in AC40 foiling monohulls. Additionally, a Youth America’s Cup will showcase mixed-sex teams. With significant investments from all participating teams, the America’s Cup promises to deliver thrilling competition and a chance to claim yachting’s most prestigious title, described by Louis Vuitton as “that inaccessible grail.”