The all-female regatta signals a bold step forward for women in the sport
Barcelona is buzzing as the inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup brings together the best female sailors from around the world for a groundbreaking regatta.
In a powerful kickoff, skippers from 12 elite teams – six America’s Cup squads and six Invited Teams – gathered at the University of Barcelona for a sunrise photo op, followed by a press conference where ambition ran high.
For the first time, these athletes have a chance to compete in the America’s Cup, marking a historic moment in the sport. Sail Team BCN’s Silvia Mas summed up the excitement: "It’s an honor to host the first Women’s America’s Cup here in Barcelona."
Olympic legend Hannah Mills, skipper of Athena Pathway, called the event a breakthrough: “This is a major step for women in foiling. We’ve excelled in Olympic boats, but this is our chance to master the cutting-edge AC40s and close the experience gap.”
The stakes are high, with America’s Cup scouts searching for emerging talent. Manon Audinet, skipper of Orient Express L’Oreal Racing Team, captured the sentiment: “We’ve been waiting for this shot. It’s just the beginning, but we’re ready.”
Racing alongside Olympic medalists, the intensity is palpable. Olivia Price, skipper of Andoo Team Australia, said, "It’s surreal to be racing at these speeds with the best women sailors in the world."
With seven gold, ten silver, and four bronze medals among them, the teams are stacked. After the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup victory, Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team hopes to repeat their success. Skipper Giulia Conti said, "The Youth Team’s win was a huge boost, and now it’s our turn."
As the competition heats up, Isabelle Bertold of Concord Pacific Racing is ready: “This is the biggest stage in sailing. It’s not just about inspiring young girls – it’s about proving women’s sport is here to stay."
The regatta’s brutal format demands flawless teamwork in the fast AC40s. Powerhouses like Emirates Team New Zealand and British Athena Pathway lead the charge, with Olympic stars like Jo Aleh and Hannah Mills at the helm, while dark horse teams from France and the USA are quietly building momentum.
Among the Invited Teams, Sweden and Australia stand out, but surprises may come from Spain’s Sail Team BCN, with hometown star Silvia Mas leading the charge. With the racing about to begin, these world-class athletes are poised to make history. The ultimate prize? The chance to hoist the stunning Puig Women’s America’s Cup Trophy – and claim their place among the next generation of America’s Cup superstars.
The stage is set. Let the battle for the Puig Women’s America’s Cup begin.
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