The 18th edition of the Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona Regatta opened today at Barcelona City Council, with speeches by the Honorable Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni; the President of Barcelona Royal Yacht Club, Jordi Puig; and Puig Chairman and CEO, Marc Puig.
The Puig Vela Clàssica Regatta has become a premier event on the Mediterranean classic boat racing calendar. Organized by Puig and Barcelona Royal Yacht Club with the support of Barcelona City Council, from July 9 to 12 the 18th edition will bring together some of the finest examples of 19th- and 20th-century naval architecture.
The Mayor of Barcelona, the Honorable Mr. Jaume Collboni, said: “Barcelona is proud to be, once again, the venue for one of the most prestigious regattas in the Mediterranean. A regatta that reconnects us with sailing and with thesea.” “This regatta is a living expression of our maritime identity and strengthens us as a city of the sea,” added the Mayor. He also stressed: “The tandem sport and Barcelona are unbeatable. We want the sport to be a meeting point, and we invite the people of Barcelona to enjoy these days of this historic regatta.”
Marc Puig, Chairman and CEO of Puig, said: “Since its foundation more than 110 years ago, Puig has always been proud of its roots in Barcelona. The Puig Vela Clàssica, as well as the Puig Women's America's Cup, held in Barcelona last year, are proof of this”. He also pointed out that this regatta is an opportunity to showcase Barcelona's character around the world. Marc Puig also stressed that the regatta is “an event that brings together individuals and families who share a passion for the sea, and boats that are museum pieces.”
For Jordi Puig, President of Barcelona Royal Yacht Club, the Puig Vela Clàssica Regatta “is one of the most important sailing events in the world; a unique opportunity to enjoy true maritime gems in the Mediterranean. The race route makes it possible for hundreds of spectators to experience the tactics and strategy of the competition up close, as the boats sail very near the Barcelona shoreline”.
This edition will also feature a new trophy designed by the La Granja Design studio, which will be permanently displayed at the Barcelona Royal Yacht Club.
More than 40 boats have registered for this edition, coming from Spain (Sonata, Islander), England (Argyll, Clarionet), France (Falcon, Irina VII), the United States (Manitou), Germany (Legolas), New Zealand (Hallowe’en) and Italy (Amorita), among others.