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These Boats Are Really Big, but Barcelona Has the Room

The city has become a hub for billionaires’ superyachts, banking on the strength of the “blue economy.”

A huge yacht under repair in Barcelona, Spain, which has become a hub for superyachts. Credit... Samuel Aranda for The New York Times

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By Raphael Minder

• Jan. 10, 2022

BARCELONA, Spain — Launched less than a year ago, the 460-foot-long, eight-deck Solaris is one of the newest of the superyachts that are the floating palaces of the sea. It has a helipad, of course, plus a swimming pool and all the other high-tech amenities required by its Russian billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich .

But on a recent morning in Barcelona, the $600 million Solaris was out of the water, wedged into a dry dock, as workers toiled underneath its light-gray hull. They were fixing its finlike stabilizers, which help steady the massive vessel in rough seas but retract when there are no swells. At the opposite end of the boatyard, another giant, the Sea Rhapsody, was getting a final checkup before being put back into the water.

As the rich have gotten richer during the pandemic, their boats have gotten larger and more expensive — and when these over-the-top superyachts aren’t taking their owners to private holiday spots in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, they need a place to drop anchor and deal with repairs.

And it is here that Barcelona, whose days as a commercial shipyard faded years ago, sees an economic opportunity.

Barcelona has turned itself into a hub for these luxury vessels, combining a private marina that is investing 20 million euros ($22.7 million) this year to turn itself into the largest port reserved for superyachts in the Mediterranean and maintenance facilities that can hoist behemoths out of the water and then summon a small army to do repairs.

And it doesn’t hurt that Barcelona offers the ships’ crew members downtime in one of the Mediterranean’s biggest tourism destinations.

Attracting billionaire yacht owners is only a small part of Barcelona’s efforts to tap into the “blue economy” of the sea, said Jaume Collboni, the deputy mayor. Barcelona’s port authority recently approved the construction of a new terminal for cruise ships, set to open in 2024. The city is also overhauling the seafront area that was developed for the Summer Olympics of 1992, which Barcelona hosted.

The pandemic was a huge blow for a city that normally welcomes millions of visitors. It showed that “diversification is becoming very important,” Mr. Collboni said. “When tourism dropped down to zero, some parts of the city were heavily affected, and we have needed to find new jobs, also for a less qualified work force.”

At the same time, the spread of the coronavirus gave the world’s billionaires a new excuse for keeping their distance from other people, a role perfectly suited for superyachts.

Worldwide about 5,700 yachts are over 30 meters long (just under 100 feet), and this fleet is set to expand 15 percent by 2025, according to industry projections . At the pinnacle of this market are about 370 megayachts of over 60 meters, whose number has risen 70 percent in the past decade and is forecast to reach 500 in about seven years. Construction yards have been struggling to keep up: The order book for superyachts is full until 2025.

MB92, the company that operates Barcelona’s superyacht maintenance facility, known as a refit yard, has 180 employees, but much of the labor is carried out by about 1,000 subcontractors whose jobs cover a variety of specialties, including painting, carpentry and insulation work. About 40 workshops are scattered around the yard, and during the peak repair seasons of spring and fall the yard can work on about 25 yachts at a time.

The yacht maintenance business has been jumping. MB92, which also owns a smaller yard in La Ciotat, France, reported revenue of €191 million (about $215 million) in 2021, up from €150 million in 2019.

Even if a superyacht is a striking showcase of wealth, owners expect those working for them to keep silent about their assets and whereabouts. When asked about the Sea Rhapsody’s destination once it left the yard, Henk Dreijer, the commercial director of MB92, demurred, suggesting that it was bound for “the Caribbean, but it could also be the Seychelles or somewhere else.”

“We work for people who like to be very discreet,” he added.

In Barcelona, which is led by a left-wing city government , not everybody welcomes the arrival of billionaires and their yachts, whose marinas are typically fenced off from the rest of the city’s waterfront.

“We are bringing in the richest people in the world, but they don’t spend their money in our local neighborhoods, they have yachts that fly the flags of tax havens, and they hire crews who are not from Barcelona,” said Gala Pin, a city lawmaker in Barcelona until 2019.

“We have also allowed private and very opaque companies to squeeze profits from public land and instead fence off access to a port area that should be enjoyed by all the citizens of Barcelona,” she added.

A decade ago, Ms. Pin and other residents held demonstrations to protest the initial project to develop Port Vell, a privately owned marina for luxury yachts. But Ms. Pin now concedes that the yacht business is very firmly anchored in Barcelona. Meanwhile, the city’s dwindling fishing fleet is squeezed into a small enclave, sandwiched between MB92’s yard and the superyacht marina.

Port Vell is in the midst of a major overhaul to become the largest superyacht marina in the Mediterranean. It is jointly owned by QInvest, a Qatari investment firm, and a group of investors led by Vagit Alekperov, the president of the Russian oil company Lukoil. Mr. Alekperov is also a partner in a fund run by Squircle Capital, a private equity firm based in Luxembourg. In 2019, Squircle bought a majority stake in MB92, the shipyard operator.

Even if the owners spend little time in Barcelona, the largest of these yachts have several dozen crew members who make lengthy stays and are “people with salaries that are generally higher than local salaries and money that they have not been spending on board,” said Ignacio Erroz, the director general of Port Vell. He said a PwC study commissioned by his company had estimated that Port Vell contributed €30 million a year to Barcelona’s economy.

Mr. Erroz forecast that Barcelona would continue to grow as a superyacht hub, in large part because “being able to anchor right in the heart of a big city is a major selling point.” But he also anticipated tougher competition.

“I think we will see many more existing ports adapting their infrastructure to welcome this kind of boat,” he said.

Raphael Minder covers Spain and Portugal, based in Madrid. He previously worked for Bloomberg News in Switzerland and for the Financial Times in Paris, Brussels, Sydney and finally Hong Kong. More about Raphael Minder

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Social distancing for the 0.1%: Shipyards fill as superyachts grow even more massive during COVID-19

Walking from Barcelona’s emblematic La Rambla boulevard toward Port Vell, 15 minutes away, the top of the yacht comes into view long before one enters the port. It is colossal, domineering, a study in the intersection of size and luxury. It’s the Eclipse , the largest of the four yachts owned by Roman Abramovich , the Russian magnate and boss of Chelsea Football Club. At 170 meters—almost 560 feet—the Eclipse is, at least for the time being, the world’s second-longest yacht after the 180-meter Azzam , owned by Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates.

Superyachts like the Eclipse are big business and getting bigger in every sense of the word. Not only are more of them under construction than at any time before, with order books full until 2027, but the boats are getting bigger too. The superyacht of 30 years ago is dwarfed by today’s leviathans, as the mega-wealthy demand ever more magnificent marine palaces.

“When I started in this business, a 40-meter boat was considered huge, and now it’s not even average,” said Pepe García-Aubert, CEO of MB92, a major superyacht refitter with shipyard facilities in Port Vell. “When we first designed the shipyard in 1994, we were thinking of boats of maybe 75 meters. We didn’t think anything over 75 meters would be considered. By 2004 we were thinking, maybe 125 meters would be the limit, but by 2010 we could see it could reach 200, and now there are already 185-meter boats under construction.”

This year a total of 185 superyachts are being built, mostly in northern Europe, compared to 148 in 2019, according to data from MB92.

Yachting’s shoulder season

Yachting had a banner year in summer 2021, when COVID spikes ruined an expected return to regular Mediterranean travel. Serving as a kind of social distancing for the very rich, some 228 yachts, averaging a length of 171 feet, were seen off Italy’s coast in August , 20 more than the previous year. Greece saw an even larger jump, up 60 yachts to 193.

Now it’s October, and the Barcelona shipyard is especially busy. The Mediterranean yachting season is over, and the owners need their boats in shape to spend the winter in the Caribbean.

“The biggest challenge is preparing big projects with short notice and because everyone wants their boats ready at the same time,” said the yard’s commercial director Txema Rubio. “If you want to carry out a big extension you need a naval architect, but first you need a designer and you need the owner’s approval, and all of this affects timing.”

Rubio says they work closely with the crews, who stay with the boats during the refit—which take a minimum of three months, often six. Bigger yachts mean bigger projects, he says, with bigger crews and more companies to negotiate with. The shipyard itself accommodates around 650 crew members at any given time during the high season for refits.

“A yacht is like a city, it’s unique. We may have an agreed project, but the crew are the people who know how the boat works,” Rubio said.

The MB92 shipyard in Barcelona can work on around 25 yachts at a time and directly employs 170 people in the city, plus another 1,000 indirectly, García-Aubert says. He estimates the average cost of a refit at around €900,000 but says some may be as low as €50,000 or as high as €20 million.

In addition to its Barcelona shipyard, MB92 also has a base in La Ciotat, close to Marseille. MB92 has been owned by alternative investment firm Squircle Capital since 2019.

Big dinghies

On a tour of the shipyard, Rubio points out a boat that is rather less glamorous than the rest and explains that it’s what’s called a shadow boat, a boat that accompanies the yacht “to carry the owner’s toys.”

These toys are speedboats, Jet Skis, cars, helicopters, and even submarines that the owner doesn’t want cluttering up the yacht. So even as the yachts get bigger, there still isn’t enough storage space.

U.K.-based Towergate Insurance estimates that the annual running costs of a superyacht are equal to around 10% of the purchase price. On that basis, the $600 million Azzam would cost $60 million a year to crew, insure, and maintain.

Barcelona’s port, like the yachts in it, has come a long way in recent years. The old port was remodeled for the 1992 Olympic Games, and in 2010 it was ceded to the London-based Salamanca Group to be developed for superyachts. Since 2017, Qatari Investment bank QInvest and a fund with several international investors, including Lukoil CEO Vagit Alekperov , control the marina, whose concession expires in 2048.

Early next year the marina will undergo a €20 million redevelopment to provide 55 moorings. The entire area will also be landscaped. A mooring in Port Vell costs around €200 to €300 per square meter per annum.

“I believe that with this expansion we’ll become the biggest superyacht marina in the Mediterranean,” said Ignacio Erroz, director of Marina Port Vell. “Nearly all the moorings will be for boats of upwards of 50 meters. And we’re the only marina of this type that has a 400-meter quay that can accommodate any size of yacht.”

Naturally, not everyone in Barcelona is delighted that their historic port has become a place for the mega-rich to flaunt their wealth, less still now that the city has taken a big economic hit as a result of COVID. Itziar González, then the councillor for the district, criticized the decision to create a luxury marina, insisting that it was undemocratic and said the city should listen to residents who were opposed to the scheme.

However, both the marina and MB92 insist that the yachts bring benefits to the city.

A report commissioned by Marina Port Vell from PricewaterhouseCoopers says that the marina contributes €29.7m annually to the city’s GDP and directly employs more than 500 people.

“Also the people who are here—the crews—spend money here,” said García-Aubert. “A yacht is not only a luxury, it creates employment and brings money to the city.”

All about the Med

Although superyacht owners are more likely to hail from the United States, Russia, or the Middle East, the Mediterranean is the center of superyacht activity, with Italy the most popular destination, closely followed by France, Greece, and Spain.

And outside of the U.S., Italy, France, and Spain are far and away the most popular refit destinations.

“The superyacht business is much more professional these days,” said García-Aubert. “Thirty years ago the industry was very amateurish. Sometimes the captain of the boat was a friend of the owner, and the chief steward was usually the captain’s wife, and sometimes a friend of the captain owned the shipyard. This has all changed.”

Business is booming, boosted by the convergence between the cruise ship and superyacht sectors, with a growing trend for small, exclusive cruise ships that accommodate around 50 passengers, similar in scale to a superyacht.

“The market is growing dramatically and this year even more so in spite of COVID and financial crises,” said García-Aubert. “In the past, rich people built mansions all over the world. Of course, they still have mansions, but a yacht is a moveable mansion. You can take it anywhere.”

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The 25 Largest Yachts in the World

The list runs from lürssen's 592-foot 'azzam' to fincantieri 439-foot 'serene,' with a fascinating group of bespoke vessels in between..

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The new arrivals in 2024 knock the mighty 436.4-foot  Al Mirqab   and  Koru , Jeff Bezos’s sailing yacht, off the list. The “smallest” yacht— Serene —measures a whopping 439.3 feet. A raft of behemoths didn’t make it, including Feadship’s 290-foot Project 821 that is launching this year, the largest build from the Dutch shipyard to date.

Two of Lürssen’s 2024 deliveries also fell short, including Project Deep Blue and Project JassJ. That said, the German yard remains top of the leader board with the immoveable 592.6-foot  Azzam . It also claims 13 of the 25 world’s largest yachts, two of which are new entries.

The list is interesting because most were built in the last 15 years, but there are several historical yachts, including  Savarona , launched in 1931, and  El Mahrousa , launched in 1865, that withstand the test of time. Others like  Yas  and  OK are conversions from other types of vessels. The inimitable  A  is a one-of-a-kind, never-to-be-repeated sailing superyacht.

Here are the world’s top 25 yachts by length.

Azzam | 592 feet, 6 inches

Lürssen could never really boast about Azzam after its launch in 2013 because of the owner’s penchant for privacy, though it did describe the interior by Christophe Leoni, which features a 95-foot-long main salon, as “inspired by the Empire style of the early 19th century.” Owner Mubarak Saad al Ahbabi directed a team of designers and engineers who started with the bare concept, worked through the technical challenges of what might be the most complex superyacht ever, and finished with an unusually large vessel that can top the 30-knot mark when operating in “sprint mode”. Its gas turbines, connected to water jets, also give it the ability to operate at high speed in shallow waters. Nauta Yacht’s exterior features a long, sleek forward area, with well-proportioned tiers moving up to the skydeck. It took an impressive six million man-hours—or four years including engineering—to build.  Azzam  accommodates up to 36 guests, and a crew of 80.

Fulk Al Salamah | 538 feet, 1 inch

Little information has been released about the world’s second-longest superyacht, the custom-built Fulk Al Salamah , and it has been shrouded in mystery since it was first announced in 2014. Even the overall length of 538.1 feet has been estimated from AIS data. However, the imposing vessel, built and delivered by Italian builder Mariotti Yachts in their Genoa shipyard in 2016, is believed to be owned by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman. Last refit in 2021, the yacht has an exterior design by Studio de Jorio, and it is considered by some to resemble more of a support vessel than a superyacht. Nonetheless, aerial photography shows an impressively large helideck, raked masts, and a bathing platform.

Eclipse | 533 feet, 1 inch

The 533.1-foot stately  Eclipse , one of two yachts on this list owned by sanctioned billionaire Roman Abramovich, took five years to design and build. When it left the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg in 2010, it was the world’s largest yacht. The interior has 17 staterooms and a palatial primary suite, with the capacity to carry 85 crew. Both the interior and exterior are designed by Terence Disdale. A proportional profile is defined by tiered decks that sweep upward and bend ever so slightly at the aft ends. Eclipse  has a 185-foot-long owner’s deck, the capacity to hold three helicopters, a sophisticated stabilization system, six tenders, and an enormous spa, gym and beach club, not to mention one of the largest swimming pools on any superyacht. Hybrid diesel-electric engines are connected to Azipod drives that give Eclipse a top-end speed of 21 knots, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

Dubai | 531 feet, 5 inches

Even at 531.5 feet, Dubai ’s all-white Winch-designed exterior belies the dramatic and vibrant interior within. Colorful mosaic floors, a spiraling glass staircase, 70-foot-wide atrium, and bursts of red, blue, and green create a carnival of scene. Originally commissioned for Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei as a joint project between Blohm+Voss and Lürssen . Known as “Panhandle,” the project was halted in 1998 with just a bare hull and skeletal superstructure. The hull was sold to the government of Dubai, and, under the direction of the country’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, work on the 531.5-footer began again, though this time by Platinum Yachts. Dubai delivered in 2006 and is now the sheikh’s royal yacht, with accommodations for 24 guests and quarters for 88 crew. The SOLAS-certified seven-decked yacht has a landing pad for a Black Hawk helicopter, submarine garage, disco and cinema, and can reach a top speed of 26 knots. There’s also a waterfall that cascades from the yacht’s pool, located aft of the main deck. The yacht’s range of 8,500 nm at 25 knots gives it the potential to cruise around the world in record time.

Blue | 518 feet, 3 inches

Lürssen’s newest entry on the list, Blue , which delivered to its Middle Eastern owner in July 2022, may rank at number five out of the world’s largest yachts, but its diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system goes a long way to minimize emissions. The yacht also features an electric Azimuth pod drive that can be used independently or in conjunction with the twin propeller shafts. There is a waste-water treatment system and an advanced exhaust treatment system to help reduce NOx levels, as well as cut down on vibration and noise pollution. Interior and exterior design is by Terence Disdale, Blue is defined in profile by a raked bow with a helipad, an aft deck pool, and twin balconies forward either side of the owner’s full-beam suite. There is a second, smaller helipad aft. The British designer has reportedly penned a feminine and elegant interior, though no images have yet been released.

Dilbar | 511 feet, 8 inches

The 2016 launch of Dilbar gave Lürssen the distinction of not only building the longest yacht ever ( Azzam ), but also the largest in terms of volume. Espen Øino designed the exterior, creating a full-bodied superstructure of long, flowing decks, along with two helicopter pads,two helicopter pads, one of which has a hangar with an H175 helicopter always on standby.  Dilbar  also has an oversized garden and an 82-foot swimming pool that can hold an incredible 6,357-cubic-feet of water and according to Lürssen, is the world’s longest on a yacht. The interior by  Winch Design  is defined by its “rare and exclusive luxury materials,” says the builder, declining to go into detail. Despite  Dilbar ’s volume, the designers did a masterful job making the yacht look relatively svelte. In June 2020, Dilbar returned to Lürssen for a significant refit, where the yacht remains following U.S. sanctions placed on the owner, Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, in 2022. The yacht’s value is estimated to be $600 million.

Al Saïd | 508 feet, 5 inches

Another 500-plus-foot yacht from Lürssen, the original Project Sunflower gained its official name of Al Saïd following its launch in 2016. Espen Øino’s exterior is akin to a classic cruise liner, complete with the twin-exhaust stacks in the center of the superstructure. Owned by the Sultan of Oman, the yacht was listed for the sale for the first time in April 2022 for an undisclosed sum, but a buyer has yet to be confirmed. The six-decked  Al Saïd  can carry 154 crew and an estimated 70 guests across 26 suites. Lürssen reports a top speed of 22 knots. The London-based Redman Whiteley Dixon studio designed the interior, which includes a concert hall that can hold a 50-piece orchestra, a private cinema for 50 people; you’ll also find a medical room and dental care on board.

A+ | 483 feet, 1 inch

Very little is known about A+ (formerly Topaz) , which was launched by Lürssen in 2012. Tim Heywood Designs did the exterior, which features helipads on the foredeck and amidships on an upper deck. A lower aft deck includes a swimming pool. The German yard has not released any images of the Terence Disdale interior. Reported to be owned by Manchester City Football Club owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan—Emirati royalty and deputy prime minister of the UAE— A+  is equipped with a 40-foot Vikal catamaran beachlander and is powered by six Wärtsilä engines to reach a top speed of 22 knots. It can carry 62 guests and up to 79 crew and was last refit in 2022.

Prince Abdulaziz | 482 feet, 3 inches

The 5,200-tonne Prince Abdulaziz is one of the Saudi Royal family’s yachts, its first owner being King Fahd. Designed by Maierform, the yacht was the longest and tallest in the world at the time of its launch, a title the 482.3-foot  Prince Abdulaziz  held for 22 years until  Dubai  launched in 2006. The late David Nightingale Hicks, known for his use of bright colors, was the interior designer. The lobby is said to be a replica of the Titanic . The yacht is also rumored to be carrying surface-to-air missiles, though that may be an urban legend. Launched by Helsingør Værft in Denmark in 1984, it was last refit in 2023.

OK | 479 feet

Originally built by Japan’s Oshima Shipbuilding in 1982, the semisubmersible heavy lift ship was used for decades by DYT Yacht Transport as float-on yacht carrier. In 2022, the vessel underwent a private conversion at Karmarine shipyard in Turkey, turning it into a luxury, though highly unusual, yacht named OK . Modifications include a matte-black paint job, gold-tinted glazing, and teak decking. The vessel’s 328-foot submersible aft deck—a feature that first attracted her new owner, who uses OK to transport their 150-foot ketch—is now covered in a carpet of artificial grass. A 40-tonne crane allows for the safe and easy launch and retrieval of a vast range of toys, including a seaplane. The interior by Bozca Design is reported to include accommodation for 20 guests, a botanical garden, and a crazy Willy Wonka–inspired glass elevator that operates outside of the yacht’s superstructure.

Opera | 479 feet

Very little is known about Lürssen’s mysterious superyacht Opera , though it’s thought to be a rebuild of Project Sassi, which was destroyed in a fire in 2018 at the German shipyard. Now four feet longer than the first iteration, the superyacht became the 11th largest yacht in the world when it delivered to its patient owner in 2023. Exterior and interior designed by Terence Disdale, Opera has a whopping 66-foot beam and an interior volume exceeding 10,000GT. No interior images have been released yet, though judging by its two swimming pools, one with a lifting floor, and two helipads—one on the bow and one on the upper aft deck—it seems no expense has been spared.

El Mahrousa | 478 feet, 1 inch

El Mahrousa , which means “The Protected” in Arabic, is currently Egypt’s presidential yacht, though the 478.1-footer has a separate history as that country’s royal yacht. The London-based Samuda Brothers began the build in 1863, and it was launched in 1865. The world’s oldest superyacht—and formerly the world’s biggest—was originally built for the Ottoman governor of Egypt, Khedive Ismail, and later carried three Egyptian kings into exile. The yacht was also at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869. It features external design by the British naval architect Sir Oliver Lang and has had multiple modifications over the years, including a lengthening by 40 feet in 1872 and another 17 feet in 1905. During the second refit, the owners replaced its paddle-wheel engines with turbine-driven propellers. The yacht, in care of the Egyptian Navy, occasionally goes to sea for a day or two. In 2015, it was used to inaugurate the new Suez Canal.

Project Luminance | 475 feet, 7 inches

Delivered in 2024, Project Luminance (the real name is yet to be confirmed) is Lürssen’s newest entry on the list. Exterior designed by Espen Øino, the yacht has a raked bow, a contrasting paint job in a dark blue hull and silver superstructure and a whopping 8,999 gross tons of interior volume. Few details are yet known about the gigayacht owned by Ukrainian mining and financial services mogul Rinat Akhmetov, including the interior by Francois Zuretti, but aerial shots reveal twin helicopter pads—one on the foredeck and another high up aft—a large beach club, and an infinity pool, with a private spa pool area on the foredeck.

A | 468 feet, 5 inches

Undoubtedly one of the most visionary projects ever delivered by German shipyard Nobiskrug, the Philippe Starck-designed A is a wild fantasy of the future. Delivered in 2017, the futuristic look of  sailing yacht  A includes smooth, silver-metallic surfaces and windows that look nearly invisible, a 26-foot draft, three composite masts that bend slightly, and a deck hidden by high bulwarks. The Philippe Starck–design is a wild fantasy yacht of the future. The 468-foot sailing yacht is a technical victory for Nobiskrug , which developed composite fashion plates to create the unusual shapes without compromising any strength or fluidity. It has the tallest freestanding composite masts on any sailing vessel, a diesel-electric propulsion system, and state-of-the-art navigation systems. The boat also reportedly has an underwater viewing platform in the keel. Starck’s traditional interior features dark wood, copper accents, and cozy patterned carpets. The split-deck main salon is divided into zoned seating areas with integrated bookshelves. A remains today the world’s largest sailing yacht six years after its launch, though many argue it is better defined as a sail-assisted yacht.

Nord | 466 feet

Nord was announced in 2015 but didn’t hit the water until its 2020 sea trials in the Baltic Sea. The 466-foot yacht features interior design by Italian studio Nuvolari Lenard and was Lürssen’s first yacht launched from its floating shed at its facility in Vegasack. Boasting top-tier amenities, the yacht includes a sports and diving center on the lower deck, multiple tenders ranging in size up to 50 feet and a large swimming pool. The two helipads support the yacht’s long-range cruising capabilities for autonomous exploration, and a retractable hangar means a helicopter can slide neatly into the superstructure for storage when not in use. A generous 20 staterooms accommodate 36 guests across six decks, while a sleek aft-sloping superstructure gives Nord an individual profile on the water.

Yas | 462 feet, 6 inches

As a converted yacht, Yas is one of the most interesting vessels on this list. The dolphin-like exterior was originally a former Dutch Navy frigate that launched in 1978 and eventually sold to the navy of the United Arab Emirates, where it was renamed Al Emirat . The yacht underwent its dramatic conversion in a facility in Abu Dhabi’s main port, emerging as a gleaming superyacht in 2011, with one of the most interesting profiles on the water. It was eventually delivered four years later. Reportedly owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed al Nahyan, half-brother of the president of the UAE, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the design by Paris-based Pierrejean Vision is defined by massive glass surfaces. Yas can accommodate 60 guests and 58 crew members. Mated to a steel hull, the superstructure is the largest composite edifice ever built.

Solaris | 459 feet, 3 inches

Owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, the 476-foot  Solaris  was one of the largest yachts to deliver in 2021. Last refit in 2022 at MB92 in Barcelona, the vast, highly private explorer is built by German shipyard Lloyd Werft and features a displacement steel hull with bulbous bow and steel superstructure with teak decks. The eight-deck exterior by Australian designer Marc Newson houses a large helipad, sundeck, spacious beach club aft and 21,527 square feet of glass, the largest panes to ever be built into a yacht. Lloyd Werft also built the Russian billionaire’s previous explorer yacht Luna , which he reportedly sold for $360 million to his close friend Farkhad Akhmedov in 2014.

Ocean Victory | 459 feet, 3 inches

The largest motoryacht ever built in Italy, Fincantieri’s Ocean Victory is owned by Russian billionaire Viktor Rashnikov, who was sanctioned in 2022. The seven-deck exterior by Espen Øino includes two helideck platforms and a hangar belowdecks, as well as exceptional outdoor social areas and a floodable tender dock. Ocean Victory has accommodations for 28 guests as well as quarters for 56 crew. The interior by Alberto Pinto remains a secret, aside from the yacht’s six pools, a 3,300-square-foot spa, and an underwater observation room.

Scheherazade | 459 feet, 3 inches

The 459.3-foot, Lürssen-built Scheherazade (formerly known as Project Lightning) was delivered in June 2020, with exterior design by Espen Øino and interior design by Francois Zuretti. Two helipads, forward and aft, and a large beach club aft are visible from aerial photographs, but aside from the yacht’s reported seven-foot beam, 40 crew and unique drone-crashing system for privacy, further details have not yet been released. The reason may lie with the yacht’s unofficial owner, believed to be Russian president Vladimir Putin. In May 2022, Italian authorities froze Scheherazade in the port of Marina di Carrara following an investigation conducted by Italian financial police who found the ship’s beneficial owner had “significant economic and business ties” to high-ranking Russian government officials, though the results of the investigation to date remain inconclusive.

Al Salamah | 456 feet

When Lürssen launched Al Salamah in 1999, it was the third-largest yacht in the world. Its number 20 ranking shows how much has changed in the last 20 years. Code-named MIPOS, or Mission Possible, the yacht was designed by Terence Disdale . Originally owned by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the yacht was put up for sale for $280 million in in 2013 before it was reportedly given to Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa as a gift. The large imposing exterior is primarily protected space, with an upper deck exposed to the elements. Al Salamah has staterooms for 40 guests, including two owner suites, 11 VIP staterooms, and eight twin cabins. The yacht can carry up to 96 crew and has a top speed of 22 knots. Al Salamah was last refitted in 2009.

Rising Sun | 454 feet, 1 inch

Designed by the original guru of yacht designers, Jon Bannenberg, Rising Sun was built by Lürssen for Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and is currently owned by billionaire David Geffen, who reportedly paid $590 million for the yacht. The yacht comes with a gym, a grand piano, multiple swimming pools, a beauty salon, and a spa with a sauna. Delivered in 2004 and last refit in 2022, the yacht’s exterior is defined by banks of windows across the superstructure. Rising Sun has 86,000 square feet of living space in 82 rooms. It can accommodate 18 guests in nine cabins, with the capacity to carry up to 46 crew. The interior by Seccombe Design includes a gym, cinema, and wine cellar, and the rear cockpit deck was designed as a basketball court. Geffen received global media backlash in 2020 for his “tone deaf” social-media posts that pictured himself on board his yacht during Covid-19 lockdown.

Flying Fox | 446 feet, 2 inches

The 446.2-foot  Flying Fox is arguably the most high-profile yacht on this list, primarily for being the largest yacht available on the charter market. In 2022, it was also singled out as “blocked property” by U.S. authorities in 2022 due to its previous management Imperials Yachts, which was on the US sanctions list. The yacht’s owner, however, Russian billionaire Dmitry Kamenshchik, is not sanctioned, so the yacht was turned over to him and returned to charter in 2024. Key features of the Espen Øino-designed exterior are a curvaceous dove-gray hull and a 3.7-foot swimming pool that runs athwartship on the main aft deck, the largest ever found on board a yacht. A two-decked spa also gives guests access to a cryosauna, hammam, and relaxation room with a fold-down balcony at sea level. Packed to the rafters with the latest amenities, the yacht holds a diving center, a decompression chamber, and two helipads. Flying Fox is PYC compliant and can accommodate 25 guests.

Savarona | 446 feet, 2 inches

Launched in 1931, and by far the largest and fastest private yacht of her day, Savarona was built for American heiress Emily Roebling Cadwalader and is easily identified by its two mustard-colored funnels. The yacht was eventually acquired by Turkey to be the presidential yacht of Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey. Jane’s Fighting Ships described the yacht in 1949 as “probably the most sumptuously fitted yacht afloat.”  Savarona was later converted to a training ship for the Turkish Navy and, in 1978, destroyed by fire. The yacht laid in tatters for 10 years. A Turkish businessman spent around $45 million refurbishing Savarona , commissioning Donald Starkey for the interior and replacing the original steam-turbine engines with modern Caterpillar diesels. Savarona became Turkey’s official presidential yacht again in 2014, accommodating up to 34 guests in 17 suites and carrying up to 48 crew. Amenities include a swimming pool, a Turkish bath, a 280-foot grand staircase, a movie theater and a library dedicated to Atatürk.

Crescent | 443 feet

Last refit in 2021, Espen Øino’s dark hull and tiered superstructure was one of the most exciting launches of 2018. Called Project Thunder internally at Lürssen, the custom-built yacht features cutouts along the hull sides that allow full ocean views from the saloon on the primary deck, as part of Crescent ’s distinctive curved superstructure. Its most noteworthy feature is the jaw-dropping bank of three-deck-high windows in the center of the yacht. This architectural feature serves as the centerpiece of a very compelling design. The yacht has accommodations for 18 guests in nine staterooms. Little is known about the François Zuretti-designed interior, other than Lürssen describing it as being “traditionally styled.” If it lives up to Crescent ’s brash exterior, the complete yacht promises to be an entirely groundbreaking design. In March 2022, Crescent was detained by Spain as property of Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, who is sanctioned in connection with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Serene | 439 feet, 3 inches

Serene  is the yacht that launched Fincantieri into the superyacht segment, and what a debut it was. The largest yacht ever launched in Italy when it was delivered in 2011 (surpassed three years later by Ocean Victory ), the Espen Øino seven-deck design features a long, sleek blue hull crowned by a white superstructure. Pascale Reymond of Reymond Langton Design created the 43,056-square-foot interior for a Russian owner, which includes a double height atrium with a piano lounge at the top and a vast open-plan main salon below. Sunken LEDs and bright pink and purple neon lights create a modern party vibe in the social areas, which contrast with the elaborate yet more traditional guest suites. A spiral staircase with intricate metal banisters soars through the heart of the yacht. The open stern area has a winter garden (enclosed glasshouse) that allows dining in all seasons. Serene also has two helipads and a hangar, a big swimming pool, and a tender garage large enough for a submarine.

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Sailing Trips in Barcelona

Your guide to enjoying a boat tour on the mediterranean.

Sailing Tours:

1. Sailing & Vermouth

2. Sailing & Brunch

3. Sunset Sail & Cava

Catamaran Tours

Private Boats

Sailing Combos

Learn How To Sail

Few travellers can resist setting sail on the Mediterranean when in Barcelona! Here, I share the best sailing yacht tours , catamaran trips , and public boat tours , departing daily. Plus details on how to hire a private boat just for you and your partner, or group of friends!

Life on the ocean waves! That’s what it’s all about. Blues skies, salty air, and the majesty of the Mediterranean unfurling in front of you as you sail out of Barcelona’s ports thirsty for adventure. (Hopefully with a copy of  Moby Dick and a bottle of rum tucked inside your cabin for good measure).

Whatever your budget, you can afford to get on the water when in Barcelona, and whether you prefer an early morning breath of sea air or a more romantic evening cruise timed with the sunset, I’m confident you’ll find your perfect tour on this very page!

You can even combine sailing with other fun activities , like wine tasting, supercar drives or helicopter flights!

Top 17 Sailing Activities

• Sailing with Vermouth (Most Popular!)
• Sailing with Brunch
• Sunset Sail with Cava
• Sunset Sail with Live Music (Top Recommendation!)
• Small-Group Catamaran Tour
• Sunset Catamaran Cruise w/ Live Music
• Golondrinas Boat Tour
• Speedboat Tour
• Chill Out Sailing Trip (Private)
• Romantic Sunset Sail (Private)
• Sailing Yacht for 2, 4 or 8 hrs (Private)
• Private Catamaran Trip (Private)
• Luxury Motoryacht Trip (Private)
• Sports Fishing Charter (Private)
• Sailing & Winery Visit (My Favourite!)
• Ferrari Drive & Sailing
• Helicopter, Walking Tour & Sailing

Watch the America’s Cup this Autumn 2024!

Yes, the world’s most prestigious sailing event is taking place in Barcelona from August to October 2024. Find out how to watch the event by land or sea, on our special feature !

How to Choose a Sailing Tour?

When choosing a sailing tour the first choice is whether you want to hire a private boat (with skipper), for just you and your partner, or friends and family. This can be done from as little as €250 for a 3-hr sail on an 8 metre yacht, with prices rising for bigger vessels. More details later on this page .

For most people, I would suggest that booking a space on public tour makes more sense, as it’s a lot more affordable and still plenty of fun. Broadly speaking, we can divide public sailing tours into three categories:

Sailing Yacht Tours

Sailing yacht tours are perhaps the most authentic experience as your skipper will rely on wind-power to captain your vessel and you’re sure to feel the ocean spray once in a while too! Prices start at €39 per person on a 1.5 hour Sailing Trip , while the in-demand Sunset Sailing Trips start at €69. (Plus you can use promo code BARCELONALIFE to save 5% on those prices!).

Catamaran tours are steadier and more comfortable, and still use windpower for the most part, but the experience is closer to a boat cruise. They are more affordable and you will share the vessel with a larger number of people.

Boat tours typically take place on big steady diesel-powered boats such as the famous Golodrinas ferries, although luxury, RIB and speedboat tour options also exist for adrenaline seekers!

Yacht life…. making the most of the Mediterranean!

Motorised boat tours are all very well, but true sailors understand that the real thrill of sailing is to harness the power of the wind and plough the ocean furrows. If you’ve been on a yacht once or twice before, you can usually help the captain by winching in some ropes, or even steering the helm. While those who don’t know their port from their starboard (and have little intention of learning) can dedicate themselves to drinking champagne  on deck and working on their tan.

1. Sailing Tour (1.5 hrs) with Vermouth

This is the number one activity from Barcelona’s number one boat company, Sailing Experience . Their professional skippers will take you out on an 11 person sailboat for a 1.5 hour spin on the big blue. You’ll leave from Port Olimpic and, looking back across land, you’ll be able to admire views of the Olympic Village, sun-kissed city beaches and the modern skyscrapers of Poblenou. And you’ll do all that with a delicious glass of Catalan vermouth in your hand, or beer, sangria, wine or soft drinks, if you prefer. This tour runs four times a day (9:30am, 12pm, 2:30pm and 4:30pm) every day of the year – even on Christmas day – and costs just €39-44 per person. Check below for a 5% discount code too!

Sailing Trip w/ Vermouth, Sangria or Beer

Price: From €39 per person (discount code below) Duration: 1.5 hours Boat size: 11 people Availability: 4 departures a day, 365 days a year. Departure from: Port Olimpic

BOOK SAILING + VERMOUTH!

5% Sailing Experience Discount!

Enter BARCELONALIFE in the Promo Code field when you check out to get 5% off your total activity price!

2. Sailing Tour (2hrs) with Brunch

Get your day off to wonderful start by combining some sunshine and bracing sea air with a delicious brunch of local pastries, ‘pica pica’ snacks and hot and cold beverages. Another of Sailing Experience ‘s most booked trips, this 2-hour cruise must be one of the best ways to start a day of sightseeing in Barcelona. The tour departs from Port Olimpic daily at 9:30am… but if you’re not a morning person, you can book the same experience with snacks and aperitif for 12pm, 2:30pm or 4:30pm. Best to reserve your space early, as some time slots will sell out.

Brunch (or Afternoon) Sailing Trip

Price: €59 per person (discount code below) Duration: 2 hours Boat size: 11 people Availability: Every day at 9:30am (plus 12pm, 2:30pm and 4:30pm for aperitif and snacks) Departure from: Port Olimpic

BOOK SAILING + BRUNCH!

Enter BARCELONALIFE in Promo Code field when you check out!

3. Sunset Sail with Cava

Barcelona boasts some beautiful sunsets, and there are few places better to enjoy them than out on a boat with views back over the city’s rose-tinted skyline, glass of sparkling Cava in hand. The activity takes place on a 12-metre yacht with a maximum of 11 passengers, and also includes snacks and other beverages. After a hectic schedule of sightseeing, this is the perfect way to round off your day! For a little bit extra you can upgrade this experience to include live music on board (either Spanish guitar or live saxophone!). Keep reading for more info…

Sunset Sailing with Cava

Price: From €69 per person (discount code below) Duration: 2 hours Boat size: 11 people Availability: Every day, leaving around 1 hour before sunset Departs from: Port Olimpic

BOOK SUNSET SAIL + CAVA!

4. Sunset Sail with Live Music

For something truly extraordinary why not add some live music to the romantic cocktail of sailing and sunsets? Choose between the jazzy funk notes of a live saxophone performance or the more chilled, dulcet refrains of a classic Spanish guitar performance . Click the links to reserve directly with the provider, Sailing Experience, Barcelona’s most popular yacht company. You will receive a confirmation email with all the details you need.

Sunset Sailing with Live Music

Price: €91 per person Duration: 2 hours Boat size: 11 people Availability: Every day, leaving around 1 hour before sunset Departs from: Port Olimpic

BOOK SUNSET SAIL + LIVE SAX!

Catamaran tours are affordable, relaxed and fun, and their twin hulls make them steadier than yachts, so I would recommend this option if you are prone to any seasickness. Catamarans vary in size, often fitting between 30 and 100 people, so obviously they are less exclusive than taking a trip in a yacht, and you may have to sit on the netting, but they offer good value for money. (They are also the vessel of choice for epic parties, if that’s your thing !).

5. Small-Group Catamaran Tour (2 hrs)

A great option if you want a bit more exclusivity than the larger catamaran tours, this small group option hosts a maximum of 30 people on board a gorgeous red-and-white catamaran, and even includes a free tapa (that’s singular of tapas!) and drink of your choice. Choose the day time tour and you can take advantage of a 30 minute swim stop and dive into the Mediterranean, or opt for the sunset cruise and enjoy the setting sphere. Reserve via Get Your Guide .

Small Group Catamaran Tour

Price: €40 per person Duration: 2 hours Boat size: 30 people Availability: 1-4 times a day (depending on the time of year) Departs from: Marina Vela

BOOK SMALL-GROUP CATAMARAN

6. Sunset Cruise w/ Live Music (1.5 hrs)

It doesn’t get much more affordable than this catamaran cruise which costs just over €25 per person and even includes a live jazz concert on board. At 78-feet-long this cat is big and spacious and you can buy a drink from the onboard bar with which to enjoy the sun setting over the Med. Available on Get Your Guide .

Sunset Catamaran Cruise w/Live Music

Price: €25.5 per person Duration: 1.5 hours Boat size: 80 people Availability: 5 days a week Departs from: Port Vell

BOOK SUNSET CATAMARAN W/LIVE MUSIC

Barcelona boat tours come in a few different shapes and sizes, starting with a trip in the classic Golondrinas ferry.

7. Las Golondrinas Boat Tour

This affordable tour departs several times a day from the Port Vell (Old Port), near Las Ramblas, and takes you on a pleasure cruise along Barcelona’s coastline, past Barceloneta beach, all the way to the twin towers at the modern Port Olimpic, before heading back to where you began. This tour has been taken by 100,000s of travellers since it began back in 1888, and is still popular today. The tour takes place on a comfortable, large motorised catamaran (not a sailing boat!), departing several times a day. You can book via Get Your Guide .

Las Golondrinas Boat Tour

Price: €8 or €11.5 per person Duration: 40 mins or 1 hr Boat size: 80+ people Availability: Between 1-7 departures a day Departs from: Port Vell

BOOK VIA GET YOUR GUIDE

8. Speedboat Tour

If you feel the need for speed, jump on this adrenaline pumping tour to skim over the Mediterranean like a black marlin who’s late for work. Your skilled captain is only too glad to show off some of the RIB speedboat’s acceleration and manoeuvrability, so if its thrills you’re after you should leave plenty satisfied. You can book via Get Your Guide . (Fancy a private speedboat instead? You can rent one from €195 per hour !).

RIB Speedboat Tour

Price: €35 per person Duration: 15 mins Boat size: 10  people Availability: Between 1-7 departures a day Departs from: Port Olimpic

Private Sailing Tours

Ramp up the luxury a bit with a private boat trip, exclusively for you and your partner, friends or family. Prices in this section are per boat, not per person.

9. Chill Out Sailing Trip (3 hrs)

Chill Out Sailing Trip

Price: €350 per boat up to 7 people (or €450 for up to 11). Duration: 3 hours Boat size: Up to 11 people Availability: Every day at 10:30, or 14:30 (or 18:00 in summer) Departs from: Port Olimpic

RESERVE VIA EMAIL

10. Romantic Sunset Cruise (3 hrs)

Romantic Sunset Cruise

Price: From €250 per boat Duration: 3 hours Boat size: Up to 7 people Availability: Every day Departs from: Port Olimpic

11. Private Sailing (2, 4 or 8 hrs)

Private Sailing Yacht

Price: €399 / €599 / €959 (discount below) Duration: 2 hrs / 4 hrs / 8 hrs Boat size: Up to 11 people Availability: Every day Departs from: Port Olimpic (Moll Mestral)

BOOK SAILING TRIP (2 HRS)

12. Private Catamaran Trip

Private Catamaran Rental

Price: €750 / €900 / €1200 (or €1600 with paella meal) Duration: 2 hrs / 3 hrs / 4 hrs Boat size: Up to 12 people Availability: Every day Departs from: Port Olimpic

BOOK PRIVATE CATAMARAN TRIP

13. Luxury Motor Yacht Rental

14. Sport Fishing Charter

Sailing Combinations

Want to combine some ocean spray, with other fun, luxury or adrenaline activities? Get ready for a truly extraordinary day out!

15. Wine Tasting & Sailing

Probably my favourite of all the activities on this page, I would highly recommend this excursion to anyone with half a day to spare in Barcelona. There are a few different options here, but you can either set sail from Barcelona to the nearby Alella wine region, to enjoy a sumptuous wine tasting overlooking the sea, or you can do the winery first and then sail back to Barcelona, merrily tipsy as you recline on deck (which would be my preference!). For the other leg of the journey, you can choose private transport by car, or you can ride along the coast on an electric bike. (You can even choose to e-bike it both ways, but then you would miss out on the sailing!). Check out Get Your Guide, where you can select the best option for you .

Sailing to a Local Winery

Price: €103 p.p. (with one way car trip) / €127 p.p. (with one way e-bike ride) / €79 p.p. (no sailing 😥, ebike both ways) Duration: 5 hrs / 5.5 hrs Boat size: Up to 11 people Availability: Every day Departs from: Port Olimpic

BOOK SAILING & WINERY TOUR

16. Ferrari Drive & Sail

Move over James Bond, there’s a new playboy in town… you! For this activity you get to drive a 460hp Ferrari California around Barcelona, with the wind in your hair and the purring of a V8 engine under your bonnet. Afterwards you get to relax on a 1.5 hour sailing cruise, cocktail in hand. Prices start at just €119 for a combined 20 minutes Ferrari drive, plus 90 minutes of sailing. You can book the experience right here (find a 5% discount code below!), or email us on [email protected] if you have any questions.

Ferrari Drive + 1.5 Sailing

Price: €119 (min. 2 people) Duration: 2 hrs Availability: Every day Departs from: Port Vell

BOOK FERRARI DRIVE & SAIL!

17. Barcelona Helicopter, Land & Sea

This 4-hour, small-group tour starts on land: at the top of the stunning Passeig de Gracia, home of two of Gaudi’s mind-blowing mansions. Your expert guide will reveal the secrets of Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, as well as the medieval legends of the Gothic Quarter, before you’re driven to Barcelona’s heli-port for an unforgettable helicopter flight over the Catalan capital. You’ll finish with a 1 hr boat cruise from the Port Vell. Great value at just €134.99 per person, all included. Book via Get Your Guide . (If you don’t fancy the walking tour, a good alternative is this helicopter ride and optional sailing trip ).

Walking Tour, Helicopter Flight & Boat Cruise

Price: €129.99 Duration: 4 hrs Availability: Every day Departs from: Passeig de Gracia

BOOK LAND, SEA & AIR TOUR

Yacht Charter Companies

There are a number of yacht charter companies in Barcelona, from whom you can hire you a variety of boats, including sailing yachts, motorboats and catamarans. If you’re a qualified sailor you can leave a deposit and rent a yacht bareboat, ie. without a skipper/crew, and get going. However, most companies provide the option of hiring a professional captain to make sure your sailing holiday doesn’t end in you shipwrecking yourself on a desert island and being forced to grow a Tom Hanks-style beard.

Barcelona Yacht Charter

This leading private charter company, directly affiliated with Barcelona Life, has an enviable array of vessels to choose from – from 1 to 12 berth sailing yachts, top notch motor yachts, three catamarans and several historical yachts. You’ll definitely be the envy of the Costa Brava swanning along the Mediterranean in the Llaüt “Sant Ramon” from 1904. Virtually all of their vessels are available both for bareboat rental or with a skipper and/or crew and hostess. They can also arrange sailing day trips, boat parties and luxury cruises for large corporate groups . Whatever you need, email us on  [email protected]  and we’ll get back to you with a price quote.

Sailing Holidays

Barcelona is one of the best bases in the world for sailing holidays, with its clement weather , modern marinas and the wealth of picturesque coastal towns along the Costa Brava.

Qualified sailors can charter a yacht from Barcelona and take a leisurely (or not so leisurely) cruise around the Mediterranean, heading up to France or further down to Spain’s southern resort towns like Marbella.

Those with a week or so to spend at sea might also note the city’s proximity to the magical Balearic islands,  Majorca , Menorca and  Ibiza .

Meanwhile, aspiring Buccaneers might choose to spend a week or two in  Barcelona  learning the ropes (quite literally) on an RYA accredited sailing course that will have you hoisting, tacking and reefing up and down the rugged coastline of the Costa Brava.

Obviously, for the casual tourist, there are plenty of sailing activities on offer in the Catalan capital, which can be enjoyed in a single afternoon, or less, thus allowing more time for all the other fun things to do in the city ! Just scroll up the page to read about them!

We’re currently researching the best providers of sailing lessons and courses in and around Barcelona and the Costa Brava, where you can study for your  RYA sailing certificate , and become a qualified seafarer. We’ll be back to update this page shortly with this information.

Corporate Sailing Events

If you’re on this page looking for sailing activity for a corporate team building event then you’ve just struck gold. This sailing regatta allows up 400 people to take part, racing against each other on boats of up to 8 people. It’s a tonne of fun, and a great way to challenge your colleagues and also see them work together in a new way. Maybe that’s why Pepsi, Mars, Zurich, Unilever, DHL and Swarovski have all booked it for their staff in recent years. We work direct with the provider, with no mark up on the price, so just drop us an email on [email protected] with dates, group size, etc and you’ll hear back within 1 working day.

Related Reading

Water Activities

Kayak Costa Brava

Barcelona Sports

Romantic Breaks

Family Holidays

Luxury Barcelona

Outdoor Activities

Car Hire Rental

About the Author

Eleni Manoli

Hi Duncan, I am looking for a boat ride for two people as a gift for my boss, who is getting married and lives in Barcelona. Which one would you recommend? My boss and her partner are around 60 years old, so please take that under consideration, as they prefer things a little bit more comfortable. My budget for the both of them is around 220 EU, maybe stretching it to 250EU. By the way when I saw your picture I could not believe it. We met in Iguazu falls a few years back when my and my friend Agnes were travelling there. I have a few photos of the three of us when we went on the boat around the falls 🙂 Hope you are doing well and look forward to hearing back from you!

Hey Eleni, small world! That was a lovely day at Iguazu! I’m checking out some boat options for you now, and will be in touch! x

I am looking for a private boat trip for 24 people.

We want to sail for 3 hours near Barcelona with music and drinks all-in.

We would like to leave on July 1, 2023 in the afternoon. Around 2:00 PM approximately.

Do you have a boat available and can you offer a total price?

Hi Bjorn, hopefully you saw the catamaran options my partners sent over!

Best way for private boat requests is to send us an email. Many thanks!

Hi Duncan, I am trying to find a way of crossing the sea from Barcelona to Palma, on a sailing boat. We want to get to Palma from London, by not flying, and by using as little CO2 as we can. Diesel ferry boats use the dirtiest fuel and end up not being any mor eco-friendly than flying! We can take the train to Barcelona but I can’t find a friendly sailor to take us across to Palma and collect us a week later for the return trip. In these days of ‘green tourism’ it seems like these sailing holidaly and party boats are missing a trick. Many people like us want to do the right thing for the environment but still travel leaving a smaller a carbon footprint as possible. Any ideas Duncan? There are two of us. My husband has some sailing experience so could help with ropes and things 🙂 Best wishes, Sonja (Thame, England)

I am not sure this service exists to be honest, but there are some sailing holidays that depart from Barcelona to Mallorca… you might want to run this page through Google translate for example, or get in touch with them to find out what is possible.

https://www.sailwiz.com/velero-mallorca-barcelona

I can also send your enquiry to my sailing partners, just in case they have any boats going out that way. What dates are you looking at?

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World class superyacht refit since 1992

MB92 Barcelona is proud to have enjoyed over 25 successful years in the superyacht refit market. Throughout our history, every decision taken has been informed by a commitment to reinvest in our team and facilities to offer the very best service to our clients.

The origins

Barcelona Olympic Games | Port Vell | Boats less than 25 meters LOA | 25,200m 2

Our origins

The society that would become MB92 is formed by Mr. Jorge Ventosa Garí as a private enterprise  with share capital of 320 million pesetas in order to bid for a Technical Area concession for yacht repair. The initial concession is for 25,288 m 2 and the contract is agreed in February.

Industry activity starts

Acquisition of a 150 ton Travelift. Total of 15,600 m 2 surface area for dry dock jobs and 2,500m 2 covered storage area, with 400 ton Slip way.

Joint Venture agreement with Pinmar

Construction of paint shed: 75m long, 29m wide and 25m high.

Focus on superyachts

MB92 changes its business focus to providing repair, maintenance and reconditioning services for superyachts. The 400 ton Slip way capacity is modified to launch yachts of up to 50 meters and to have a 450 ton nominal capacity.

Consolidation period

Yachts up to 80m LOA | 36,000m 2  total area During this period the shipyard succeeded in attracting some of the sector’s most significant superyachts. The dry dock area was extended to 11,500m 2 to accommodate seven vessels measuring up to 80m at any one time.

Increasing efficiency

Construction of a paint bubble to accommodate the growing demand for paint works. New TIC infrastructures also contribute to increasing efficiency.

Servicing increasing demand

MB92 creates Project Management, Technical, Administrative and Customer Service departments in order to best service increasing demand.

Expanding again

A new agreement is reached with the Port Authorities to further expand MB92’s concession. The plan is to launch a new system and dry docking repair area for yachts of up to 2,000 tons displacement.

Ongoing development

Contract signed with Syncrolift Inc. to provide high-quality new machinery and assist with ongoing technical development.

The new 2,000 ton Synchrolift system is inaugurated in September.

Leading the industry into the 2000s

100th project

Project number 100 –motor yacht BIG D –  is hauled out on the 2,000 ton Syncrolift.

Improving our structure

MB92 is strengthened by a revamped structure, ongoing investment in technical equipment, attentive human resources and the high quality of subcontractors partnering with the company.

Further investment

The company benefits from new capital injection to fund a range of projects that support its continued growth.

15 years of refit

MB92 celebrates 15 years in the market. The Paint shed is extended from 75m to 125m in order to be able to accommodate the increasing size of new superyachts.

ISO 9001 and 14001

MB92 successfully complies with standards for obtaining:

• ISO 9001 quality certificate, certifying the quality of MB92’s production process.
• ISO 14001, which certifies Environmental Protection standards.

Into a new decade

Provision for yachts up to 220 meters LOA | 76,000m 2 total area

Dry Dock expansion

Agreement is reached with the Barcelona Port Authorities to obtain a significant new concession area. MB92 now has equal land and sea areas and obtains a Panamax Dry Dock to further increase the range of facilities available for clients.

Further expansion

New concession area

MB92 celebrates 20 years in the market with the inauguration of the new concession area.

New Dry Dock door

During the summer, MB92 installs a new Dry Dock door.

Major new investment

New investors – D-Marin Investments; Dogus Group – join the company in December.

MB92 receives the Best Refit award at the International Superyacht Society Design & Leadership Awards for its work on the timeless 80m MY Talitha.

Paint shed makes way for Shiplift

Demolition of the Paint Shed as part of the redevelopment to construct a new 4,000 ton Shiplift to cater for increasing demand from the fleet’s largest yachts.

MB92 celebrates 25 years in the superyacht refit market. Development continues with the new 20,000m 2 hard-standing area that will allow for twelve 105m superyachts.

Formation of the MB92 Group

In 2018, MB92 becomes part of the MB92 Group alongside Compositeworks and Blohm & Voss La Ciotat. This union between some of the industry’s most trusted players creates the world-leading Group of refit shipyards.

Part of the family

MB92 is rebranded as MB92 Barcelona and joins MB92 La Ciotat as part of the MB92 Group.

MB92 celebrates 30 years in the superyacht refit market.

Much has changed in the last 3 decades since we started, but the commitment to listening, learning and improving remains as strong as ever.

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13 Awesome Superyacht Marina Destinations

With a growing number of superyachts over 100 meters in length, there is more and more demand for large yacht berths in scenic locations worldwide.

Finding marinas that welcome larger vessels and also offer high-end facilities is therefore challenging. Here is a comprehensive list of the eleven largest yacht berths in the world that are popular for yacht spotting .

1. Porto Montenegro

Porto Montenegro has by far the largest yacht berths in the world and can accommodate up to 450 vessels, each measuring 250 meters.

The marina itself offers all necessary services like refueling, on-site provisions, or repairs.

Fashion stores, day spas, sports, leisure, and cultural facilities are also located just a few steps away from the port, making it extremely popular among yacht owners looking for a luxury experience. 

The surrounding streets of Porto Montenegro are well known for their upscale restaurants, bars, and waterfront hotels.

Since the largest yacht in the world, AZZAM “only” has a length of 180 meters, the marina is already prepared for any even bigger projects in the future.

2. Yacht Haven Grande

The second-largest yacht berth is located in St. Thomas on the Virgin Islands. With only 48 berths, the marina is not the biggest, however, it can accommodate yachts with a length of up to 200 meters, making it suitable for some of the largest vessels in the world. 

The on-site facilities are exclusively tailored to the needs of luxury yacht owners, charter guests, and crew stationed in this port.

Besides the usual amenities like repairs and provisioning, there is also a sizable shopping mall just a few steps away from Yacht Haven Grande called “The Shops,” which is perfect for stocking up during layovers.

3. Marina Port Vell

Located in Barcelona, Spain, the Marina Port Vell offers 151 berths for yachts up to 190 meters.

Its excellent location close to the city center and many of Barcelona’s main attractions makes this marina very popular among yacht enthusiasts.

Marina Port Vell is also a highly secure port with sophisticated CCTV and professional security guards stationed in the area 24/7. The on-site facilities include a gym, a business hub, and exclusive restaurants. 

There is also a dedicated crew lounge within the marina where the captain and crew can spend their time ashore.

Marina Port Vell stands out due to its convenient location, although this berth tends to fill up quickly during the summer months and can become extremely crowded due to its popularity.

4. Port Vauban

Port Vauban is the leading marina in the Mediterranean, with 1,500 berths available for yachts with a length of up to 160 meters.

Located in Antibes, France, between Cannes and Nice, Port Vauban is one of the most popular locations for yachting and also one of the largest yacht berths in the world. The marina is also well known for its exclusive yearly events and parties. 

Any standard, as well as unusual services and requests, are fulfilled by the berth’s own agents, who are on call 24/7.

Among other high-profile guests, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and his 126-meter yacht OCTOPUS are regular guests at Port Vauban.

5. Port Tarraco

The 5th largest yacht berth on this list is located in Tarragona, Spain, just 100 km southwest of Barcelona.

Port Tarraco is a smaller and highly exclusive marina with just 33 berths in total, and it can accommodate boats from 45 meters up to a length of 160 meters.

The business pier next to the marina offers a broad selection of excellent restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities. 

Furthermore, there are several yachting stores in the area surrounding Port Tarraco where you can purchase all important spare parts and supplies that might be needed.

Tarragona itself was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 and has lots to do and see, including famous landmarks and historic ruins.

6. Port Hercules

Port Hercules is located in Monaco, on the French Riviera, and has not only one of the largest yacht berths in the world but also represents one of the most popular locations for yachting in general.

The marina has 700 berths for yachts with a length of 135 meters and a maximum draught of 30 meters. 

Monaco attracts millions of tourists every year with its many sights and upscale restaurants. The Monaco Yacht Show is held in Port Hercules every year, attracting thousands of visitors from all around the world.

7. Porto Mirabello

Porto Mirabello is a unique port located in the harbor town of La Spezia in northern Italy. Since the bay is relatively small, the berths had to be constructed without obstructing the beachfront, which proved to be a challenge.

Porto Mirabello was therefore partly constructed on an artificial island which makes this port a unique and unusual project. 

Vessels between 12 and 130 meters in length can anchor at La Spezia’s berths, making it one of the largest in the world.

La Spezia is a charming former fishing village that has become a popular starting point for exploring Italy in the yachting community.

8. Vilanova Grand Marina

Vilanova Grand Marina is a modern and well-equipped port with some of the largest yacht berths in the world.

After its opening in 2009, the port quickly gained recognition and earned a place among the most well-frequented harbors in Europe.

Vilanova can welcome vessels up to 120 meters in length, although the berths are extremely popular, with only a limited number available for sale or rent. 

This port specifically specializes in superyachts and was constructed with the proximity to Barcelona’s International Airport in mind allowing owners to arrive conveniently in their private jets.

9. Limassol Marina

As the only superyacht port in Cyprus, Limassol Marina combines luxury hotels with sought-after restaurants and, of course, plenty of high-end shopping opportunities.

Its berths can accommodate yachts of up to 110 meters, excluding some of the world’s largest vessels but still allow it to rank alongside high-profile marinas around the Mediterranean. 

Yachts like A or MADAME GU frequent the port and attract curious onlookers. Limassol has space for up to 650 yachts which give an idea of its size.

However, there is far more to the port than just berths. With elaborate real estate projects on the property, there are plenty of investment or luxury housing opportunities to explore.

10. Club Nautico Marina, Cartagena, Colombia

Club Nautico Marina is situated in the historic city of Cartagena, Colombia, and is dedicated to both the sailing and powerboat community worldwide. It is conveniently located a short walk from the historic center, with a supermarket just 2 minutes away.

The marina emphasizes the security of vessels and crew, with a family touch reflecting the history and development of the marina. Originally a haven for international sailors, it now caters to both recreational vessels and those dedicated to tourism activities.

While you’re enjoying your time in Colombia, don’t forget to go further inland and checkout Medellin, a cultural city with excellent food, weather, nightlife and one of the best pub crawls to experience!

11. Yalıkavak Marina

Yalıkavak Marina or sometimes called Port Palmarina is situated close to Bodrum in Turkey. The marina only opened in 2012 with a grand party including a long list of high-profile guests.

The port is owned by the Azerbaijani businessman Mubariz Masimov who supported this one-of-a-kind project and gathered over $45 million in investments. 

In addition to housing yachts, Port Palmarina is a hub for entertainment, shopping, and fine dining, attracting international tourists.

12. Marina di Stabia

Just a short ride from Naples in Italy lies the Marina di Stabia which can host superyachts of up to 100 meters.

The port has a strategic position that allows visitors to reach places of interest such as the Amalfi Coast, Capri, or Naples easily and comfortably. 

With up to 900 berths available for purchase or rent, the Marina di Stabia is not only one of the largest but also the most modern ports in the area, with the volcano Mount Vesuvius providing a beautiful backdrop.

13. Marina Puerto Los Cabos, Mexico

Marina Puerto Los Cabos is located adjacent to the San Jose estuary, a few miles from historic downtown San Jose del Cabo. Offering a full-service experience with all necessary amenities, this marina provides a laid-back experience near the history and culture of Old Mexico.

As one of the premier marinas on the entire west coast of Mexico, it currently has 200 slips and can accommodate megayachts up to 250 feet in length. It offers concierge services, a maintenance yard, and various other amenities sought by discerning boaters​ ​.

Mexico is also a prime destination to party, especially Mexico City. The best way to experience the party in this amazing Latino city is via Party Bus Mexico City , which allows you 5 hours to drink the night away with strangers, and explore the city at the same time!

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Guide to Barcelona

A city that inspires artists, chef’s and discerning travellers the world over

Famed for its enchanting architecture, fabulous dining and bountiful culture, the seaside city of Barcelona is a superyacht stop-off you’ll never forget.

Barcelona’s location alone is idyllic, situated on the north-eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula overlooking the blue of the Mediterranean Sea. It is watched over by the Serra de Collserola mountain range between the rivers Besòs and Llobregat with the towering 512 m (1,680 ft) high Tibidabo mountain providing an amazing backdrop as well as fantastic views over the city. If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours then the peaks are engulfed by the beautiful Collserola Natural Park which is the biggest metropolitan park in the world.

As the capital of Catalonia and with colourful architectural treasures spanning more than 2,000 years, Barcelona is a city that needs no introduction but one where you can enjoy unlimited experiences. Magnificent temple columns allude to its ancient history while the winding lanes of its Gothic Quarter express its charismatic edge. Keep exploring and at every turn you’ll be greeted with the spectacular creations of the renowned Gaudi and his contemporaries, to make this a truly memorable yacht charter destination.

The beauty of Barcelona has long been an inspiration to artists the world over and it now hosts two museums dedicated to the works of Picasso and Joan Miró, both of whom fell in love with the city. Its masterpieces are not just confined to art and architecture however – the city’s gastronomic delights are just as celebrated and its restaurant scene is now one of the most talked about in the Mediterranean . From Galician seafood taverns, avant-garde Japanese restaurants, a full spectrum of fun and fine dining options will keep your time ashore packed full of flavour.

To find out how a superyacht vacation in this city could satisfy the needs of your family and friends, get in touch with your preferred charter broker after taking a look at all of the crewed yachts available for charter in Barcelona .

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BOAT International partners with the Barcelona Superyacht Regatta at the 37th America's Cup

We are delighted to announce our partnership with the much-anticipated Barcelona Superyacht Regatta, taking place alongside the 37th America’s Cup from 4-6 October 2024.

Organised by the Reial Club Nàutic de Barcelona(RCNB) and BWA Yachting, the legendary race is affiliated with, and sanctioned by, the SuperYacht Racing Association (SYRA). The Superyacht Regatta is set against the historic backdrop of Barcelona and will feature some of the world’s most majestic yachts racing on the crystal Mediterranean waters.

The event is open to invited cruising yachts whose length is 27 metres or greater. The 2024 regatta will also offer a Corinthian Spirit class, and two racing classes: a 30-metre (100-foot) A Class and a 27-metre (90-foot) B Class.

While 2021’s event in New Zealand was beset by Covid restrictions preventing a number of superyachts from entering the country's waters, this year’s America’s Cup and associated events are set to return to its former glory. 

An impressive number of yachts have already registered, including the 39-metre Halekai , 36-metre   Gitana , 44-metre Esense , 28-metre Nefertiti , 29-metre Patea , 25-metre Dark Horse , 35-metre Jasi and the 30-metre V . The deadline for entries closes 15 September.

As part of the Barcelona Superyacht Regatta programme, yacht owners – as well as guests, captains and crew – will be able to enjoy the following: daily access to the RCNB village during the regatta period; social events with drinks and tapas; a prize-giving ceremony and a Barcelona Superyacht Regatta Gala.

The Barcelona Superyacht Regatta is part of the Premier Regatta series which includes the world-famous Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona race featuring some of the world's most classic 12-metres (4-7 September); the Maxi Regatta (25 – 29 September) and the iconic 'Golden Era' J Class championship, returning to the cup this year (7-11 October). It is hosted by event organisers America's Cup's Events (ACE) and RCNB.

Speaking about the Premier Regatta Series, Grant Dalton CEO of ACE, commented: “Huge thanks go to our Host venue Yacht Club Partner, the Real Club Naútico Barcelona, who have the vision and expertise to handle these great, classic events that will truly enhance the on-water and shoreside spectacle of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup."

He continued: "Attracting the J Class and 12 Metres brings the America’s Cup history to life whilst the classic yachts, Maxis, and Superyachts all bristle with the very finest in technology and design. Barcelona will be a sensational festival of yachting in all its forms this summer and we look forward to welcoming everyone to this incredible venue for both the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup and the Premier Regatta Series.”

BWA Yachting can be contacted for berthing requests and bookings.

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Barcelona city is Spain’s major Mediterranean port and commercial center, globally known for its unique lifestyle and physical beauty. The city is a major cultural reference with remarkable buildings such as the Sagrada Familia or Casa Batlló, as well as libraries, museums, and other sites of interest, featuring superb examples of Modernist and Art Nouveau decor and architecture.

With an average temperature of 15ºC, Barcelona is a popular superyacht destination all year round, whether it is for a guest trip during the summer, or a refit period during the winter, this city has remarkable facilities such as Marina Port Vell or MB92 shipyard able to welcome even the largest yachts in the world.

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DREAM BIG AND ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS

Welcome to Boat Charter BCN, the Luxury Yacht Charter specialist in Barcelona City.

The yachts range from 20m to 30m in size (60 to 100ft), are fully crewed and are available for day charters, weekends and week charters around Barcelona and Sitges, Costa Brava, Mallorca and Ibiza. They can accommodate from 8 to 10 guests for an overnight charter and up to 12 for a day charter. We offer basic packages that include anchoring off the beach in Barcelona and enjoying the boat and its toys while sunbathing, swimming off the aft, having lunch or having a small party on board.

Boat Charter BCN specializes in offering fully crewed yachts for charter based out of Barcelona year round.

Our clients are looking for a certain level of luxury and comfort on board, being served the food of their choice plus having all the amenities and toys found on any of these engineering wonders designed for sheer pleasure.

Boat Charter BCN also has a brokerage branch, please visit us at:

The Aruba Mod.38 is a brand-new day cruiser that can carry up to 10 guests for a day charter.

This beautiful boat is equipped with many features like a gyro stabilizer, 2 fridges, an ice maker, a grill, a Fusion Bluetooth stereo system with 8 speakers and a subwoofer and awnings for the bow and aft tables. The aft table can also be turned into a solarium.

The Aruba Mod.38 has one master cabin, a bathroom with shower and a coffee station in the salon, she is equipped with air conditioning as well. The cruising speed is 22 knots with a top speed of 30 knots. She comes with optional toys such as snorkeling gear, paddle boards or even a Seabob.

Itineraries

Our itineraries depend on the length of the charter, from half a day to a full week. We recommend staying in the Barcelona area or Sitges for a day charter, visiting the beautiful coves along the Costa Brava for a weekend charter or exploring one of the Balearic Islands for 5 days or longer. Our Concierge Services will help you plan the perfect trip, including making reservations at suggested restaurants and getting VIP tables at the best clubs in Sitges, Costa Brava and Ibiza.

• MORE INFORMATION

Our First Class Concierge Services help you plan in advance just about any activity surrounding your charter in the location where the yacht may take you. We offer VIP Reservations for FC Barcelona matches, restaurants, designer stores, clubs, spas, vineyards, limo transfers and helicopter tours in Barcelona, Ibiza and the Costa Brava.

• CDLC Barcelona - Considered one of the best Night Clubs in Europe, sponsored by Dom Pérignon.
• Ikibana - One of the trendiest restaurants in Barcelona with a Japanese/Brazilian fusion cuisine in three different locations.
• Velissima - This Osteria Italiana offers classic Italian food with live entertainers overlooking the yachts at the new Marina Vela near the W Hotel Barcelona.
• Tracatrá Barcelona - Tapas, Rumbas y Flores and many more.

"Dream big and enjoy the little things"

Yachting in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is an ideal destination for yachting due to its stunning Mediterranean coastline, warm climate, and vibrant culture. The city offers an extensive marina network, making it easy for yacht enthusiasts to access the sea and explore the beautiful coastline. The crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean offer the perfect environment for swimming, diving, and other water-based activities. Barcelona's coastline is also home to several secluded coves and beaches that are only accessible by boat, making for an exclusive and intimate experience.

45' Jeanneau Sun Odyssey

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42' Ocean Voyager

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40' Lagoon

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76' Falcon

60' Sunseeker Predator

85' Hessen

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Once you confirm your reservation, your broker will process your payment.

• If you are booking for a single day and your reservation is confirmed more than 7 days in advance, a deposit of either $1,000 USD or 50% of the total cost of the reservation (whichever is greater) is processed immediately in order to hold the yacht. Once your embarkation date is 7 days away, the remainder of the amount due is processed.
• If you are booking for a single day and your reservation is made 7 days or less in advance, the total price of your reservation is processed immediately.
• If you are booking for a multi-day charter and your reservation is confirmed more than 30 days in advance, a deposit of 50% of the cost of the yacht is processed immediately in order to hold the yacht. Once your embarkation date is 30 days away, the other 50% is collected for the price of the yacht, plus the APA, plus the taxes due.

Terms of refunds are dictated by the Charter Agreement. Generally, once a payment is collected, it is non-refundable. In certain circumstances, as dictated by the Charter Agreement, credits can be provided so you will be able to enjoy your yacht charter at a future date that is convenient for you.

Why is there a 3% credit card convenience charge?

Are my payment details saved on the app, what if your servers get hacked is my payment information really safe.

America's Cup sets sail in Barcelona with New Zealand defending the Auld Mug

NYYC American Magic's AC75, left, and Luna Rosa Prada Pirelli Team's AC75 boat sail during America's Cup Preliminary Regatta ahead of the 37th America's Cup sailing race at the Barcelona's coast, Spain, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. The world's oldest international sports trophy, best yachtsmen and cutting-edge design and technology will come together in Barcelona when the 37th edition of the America's Cup starts on Thursday. Credit: AP/Joan Monfort

BARCELONA, Spain — The world's oldest international sports trophy, best yachtsmen and cutting-edge design and technology will come together in Barcelona when the 37th edition of the America’s Cup starts on Thursday.

Five boats – from Italy, the United States, Britain, Switzerland and France – will spend the coming weeks racing in the Mediterranean waves to decide which will earn the honor of trying to dethrone the almighty Emirates Team New Zealand for the Auld Mug.

As the two-time defender, the Kiwis chose Barcelona’s choppy waters as the venue and helped establish the rules and boat design for this edition. They also get a guaranteed spot in the final to be held in October.

The results of three years of work and massive investment will now be put to the test.

“It is starting to get serious in a hurry. We are now racing for keeps,” Ben Ainslie, skipper of British team INEOS Britannia, said Wednesday.

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Here is what else you need to know about the equivalent of the World Cup of sailing.

Sci-fi Boats

For anyone who has not followed the foiling revolution in sailing over the past decade, America's Cup yachts look more like something designed to fly through outer space in a sci-fi film than a traditional sailboat.

A spectator watches the race as Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team's AC75 boat sails during the America's Cup Preliminary Regatta ahead of the 37th America's Cup sailing race off the coast of Barcelona, Spain, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. The world's oldest international sports trophy, along with the best yachtsmen and cutting-edge design and technology, will come together in Barcelona when the 37th edition of the America's Cup starts on Thursday. Credit: AP/Joan Monfort

The only parts more or less recognizable are the rudder, mast, mainsail and jib on the foiling 75-foot monohull that the champions chose as the boat type for these regattas. This AC75 is an evolution of the 2021 monohulls, which were a radical leap from the catamarans that the same New Zealand team sailed to victory in 2017.

If you are looking for a skipper standing tall at the helm while sailors scamper around the deck, then forget it. The helmeted crew members are tucked into cockpits, keeping them out of the wind and favoring the boats' aerodynamics.

But the most remarkable feature of these boats are the two hydrofoils, attached to winglike appendages port and starboard, that make these boats look like giant water strider insects. The foils enable these wonders of nautical engineering to spend more time with the bottom of their hulls above the water than submerged while racing. Their “T” shape resembles the inverted tail of an orca whale, and their 4.5-meter span sustains the more than six-ton boat as it rockets over the water at 50 knots per hour (92 kph/57.5 mph).

All the teams have two helmsmen for this race – copying a move made by the Italian Luna Rossa team three years ago. The two helmsmen take turns steering and watching the other's blind spot since each one has half his visibility cut off by the sails. There are also two trimmers.

Spectators watch the race between Ineos Britannia's AC75 and Alinghi Red Bull Racing's AC75 boats during the America's Cup Preliminary Regatta ahead of the 37th America's Cup sailing race off the coast of Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. The world's oldest international sports trophy, best yachtsmen and cutting-edge design and technology will come together in Barcelona when the 37th edition of the America's Cup starts on Thursday. Credit: AP/Joan Monfort

Gone this time are the grinders. Instead, each boat has four cyclists, called “cyclors” — many of whom are world-class rowers — who pedal away to power the hydraulic mechanisms needed to trim the sails and rotate the mast.

The Defender

Emirates Team New Zealand won the America’s Cup in 1995 and 2000 before winning the last two editions.

They are without a doubt the team to beat.

The team led by Grant Dalton has earned the respect of their rivals for their daring boat designs and flawless execution. They will participate in the opening round, but their points won’t count. They will then sit out the next two rounds while the remaining teams duke it out to see which will meet them in the final.

Peter Burling is back at the helm after helping the team win in 2017 and 2021. He is joined by fellow Olympic medalist Nathan Outteridge in steering their super-sleek Taihoro yacht.

“The challenger group is the strongest it has been in a long time at the America’s Cup,” Burling said. “It is going to be super exciting to see what happens over the next weeks.”

The Challengers

— Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team reached the last final in 2021 — and lost 7-3. The team representing the Sicily Yacht Club is steered by helmsmen Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni.

— INEOS Britannia is hoping to end Britain’s painfully long search for a title. No team has challenged as many times as the British, a losing streak which started back in 1851 when they were bettered by the schooner America in a race around the Isle of Wight. INEOS is led by helmsman and Olympic great Ainslie and is supported by the Mercedes Formula 1 team.

— NYYC American Magic is back after its 2021 campaign ended shortly after its Patriot boat capsized and almost sank. The New York Yacht Club draws on the history of having won the first edition and then successfully defending the title 24 times until that incredible 132-year run ended in 1983. It's helmed by Tom Slingsby, the sailor of the year, an Australian who has an American passport thanks to his American mother, and Englishman Paul Goodison, a fellow Olympic gold medalist.

__ Alinghi Red Bull Racing is backed by the sports drink giant and its F1 team. The Swiss outfit is seeking a title after the landlocked nation won the cup in 2003 and 2007. It has been training in Barcelona the longest after setting up base here two years ago.

__ Orient Express Racing Team comes with a boat based on a design it purchased from the New Zealand team. The last team to arrive in Barcelona, the French face the extra challenge of having less on-site practice time.

A round-robin stage will eliminate the weakest challenger by Sept. 8. The remaining four will have two playoff series to decide which boat will take on New Zealand in a best-of-13 series starting on Oct. 12.

This year’s event also includes a new Women’s America’s Cup and a youth competition.

The Race Course

The racing will take place in the same stretch of water used for the sailing events at the 1992 Olympics.

Boats zigzag back and forth across a rectangular race course located in waters just off the Barcelona beachfront, within view of fans on the shore. Boats have to pass through a pair of buoys – called a gate – and perform hairpin turns by shifting from one foil to the other.

Several teams have said that Barcelona’s waters can produce trickier race conditions than, for example, Auckland, since there is no natural bay to stop the wave action that comes from far offshore and often goes in a direction off-angle from the wind.

Race starts are crucial as boats maneuver to be in a leading position when they hit the starting line.

In choosing Spain, New Zealand broke with its tradition of picking Auckland as this edition’s venue because of the need to ensure a big payday. And what better place to ensure people would flock to see the event than one of Europe’s major Mediterranean destinations?

The last regatta in New Zealand was held when the world was still in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. That meant there were scant crowds and little of the glamor – think superyachts and wealthy sailing amateurs — who are expected to be back en masse at Barcelona. Fashion and luxury goods designer Louis Vuitton has returned as the official sponsor of the race, and the trophy is secured in a custom Louis Vuitton case when it travels.

Barcelona calculates the event will attract some 2.5 million tourists and leave over a billion euros in the city. It is being held during an upsurge in citizen complaints against what they consider “overtourism” and skyrocketing rents.

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