A New Horizon for Barcelona
The recent designation of Barcelona as the host city of the 37th edition of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup not only means a sporting event, but also represents the promise of a legacy that will attract citizens to the sea. This transformation of emblematic spaces such as Port Vell and Port Olímpic has the potential to permanently change the perception of sailing among citizens.
Democratizing la Vela
With the aim of making sailing a sport accessible to all, the organization of the event, known as ACE Barcelona, is promoting various initiatives that will facilitate the participation of a broader public in this nautical discipline.
Pioneering Initiatives in Navigation
One of the most notable recent initiatives is the ‘Yes We Sail’ project, in which ACE has been involved. During a significant presentation, the world’s first Patí Català designed specifically for people with visual impairments was launched. This effort has been led by sailor Dani Anglada, with the support of America’s Cup Event Executive Director Grant Dalton. The proposal seeks to empower these people, providing a unique avenue for their physical and mental rehabilitation through navigation.
Commitment to Inclusion
Grant Dalton, who has a long history with Blind Sailing New Zealand, praised Anglada’s work, emphasising that the technology introduced in this project will revolutionise the experience of visually impaired sailors globally, allowing them to be more autonomous and make decisions on the water. During the event, Dalton went so far as to call Anglada a ‘hero’ for his contribution to this important development.
The Value of the Sea as a Common Space
The launch of the project took place at the Patí Vela Barcelona Club and was supported by various personalities from the sporting and academic fields, including Isidre Esteve, a renowned raid pilot, who was enthusiastic about the initiative. Representatives from the Union of Sports Federations of Catalonia (UFEC), the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and the Faculty of Nauticals of Barcelona also attended.
Towards Inclusive Navigation
Along with ‘Yes We Sail’, ACE also promotes the ‘Sailing per a tothom’ project, which is a collaboration between the Catalan Sailing Federation, the Mi Alex Foundation and the Barcelona Capital Nàutica Foundation. This initiative aims to enable people with disabilities to participate in sailing activities, guaranteeing the support and training necessary to enjoy this sport.
Celebrating Common Purpose
Grant Dalton underlined the importance of the sea as an inclusive space, urging everyone, without distinction, to explore the benefits of sailing. He highlighted that experiencing the freedom of boating is essential to fostering equality and inclusion in the community. At the end of the event, the Mi Alex Foundation presented an award to Dalton in recognition of his crucial role in promoting adapted sailing in Spain.
A promising future
With its active participation in these initiatives, America’s Cup Event seeks that the Barcelona 2024 edition marks a turning point in the recognition of sailing as an inclusive discipline, where anyone, regardless of their condition, can enjoy the wonders of the sea. and this exciting sport.