2023 Barcelona Boat Show concludes, introducing the 2024 America's Cup to citizens
by Fira de Barcelona 18 Oct 2023 02:48 NZDT
11-15 October 2023
The major brands in the sector display their commitment to sustainability in their latest models - Barcelona Boat Show 2023 © Fira de Barcelona
The Barcelona International Boat Show has concluded, having contributed to promoting the 2024 America's Cup and bringing it closer to the city.
The event, which over five days has once again packed the Port Vell of the Catalan capital with sailing fans and lovers of the sea, has also highlighted its status as a huge sales platform for the sector, with the recording of a significant number of commercial transactions and meetings between the largest brands.
The show, by means of the Àgora Port located in El Portal de la Pau, has been the setting for a wide-ranging schedule of conferences, talks and presentations, with next year's America's Cup playing a starring role, together with the promotion of sustainability and the blue economy. In this regard, we should highlight the introductory ceremony for the six teams participating in the legendary sailing regatta due to take place in a year's time, as well as the collaboration with the America's Cup Experience immersive exhibition.
Furthermore, the Barcelona Boat Show has once again served to showcase the sector's increasingly determined commitment to sustainability, with the presence of different types of electric boats and engines. Organised by Fira de Barcelona in partnership with the National Association of Nautical Companies (ANEN), this year's show has welcomed more than 240 exhibitors and 640 boats, 160 of them in the floating exhibition, occupying the La Fusta, España and Port Vell docks.
Boat Show president Luis Conde declared that "this year's event has once again highlighted the need for the sector to host it as a driving force for sales and the promotion of sailing for recreation and sport". "In addition", he added, "this year we've been the main promoters of the America's Cup for sailing, with the aims of making citizens more aware of it and promoting Barcelona as a nautical capital on the international stage".
As for Josep Antoni Llopart, the director of the show, he stated that "this year we've continued to support companies in the sector on their journey towards more innovative navigation that's respectful towards the marine environment".
With just a few hours to go until it closes, it's estimated that around 50,000 people have visited the Barcelona International Boat Show while enjoying the current fine weather in the city.
Preparations are already under way for next year's event, which will be conditioned by the holding of the 2024 America's Cup.