The 37th America’s Cup, which kicked off in Barcelona on August 22, offers much more than just the passion for the world’s oldest nautical competition; it also aims to bring this sport closer to a much wider audience. In collaboration with the Barcelona Nautical Capital Foundation, the terminology center TERMCAT has launched an innovative project to make the complex world of sailing more accessible. Through an online dictionary and a leaflet, the goal is to facilitate the understanding of a historic event characterized by a high level of technicality.
Educational resources to understand the competition
The core of the project is the new Terminology of the America’s Cup dictionary, which gathers 81 key terms to describe the technical aspects of the boats and races. Each term is available in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, and Italian, ensuring that both locals and international visitors can better understand the event. Among the highlighted terms are details about the parts of the boats and the specific roles of the crew members.
This resource has been validated by sailing experts, which enhances its reliability. Additionally, it is part of the collection of more than 180 specialized dictionaries available online through TERMCAT, covering a wide range of sectors. The dictionary is not the only educational tool accompanying the competition: a simple and visual leaflet complements this initiative.
This material is being distributed during the event at various points in Barcelona and offers a clear introduction to the basic terms of the competition, with the help of illustrations to make it more understandable.
The leaflet, which will also be used in schools to foster interest among younger audiences, focuses on educating about sailing, creating a bridge between the America’s Cup and new generations.
The America’s Cup, synonymous with technological innovation
The America’s Cup has always been synonymous with technological innovation. Since its first edition in 1851, the competition has been at the forefront of adopting new technologies in sailing. Today’s boats, such as the AC75, can reach speeds of up to 52 knots (96 km/h), thanks to advanced systems like hydrofoils, which allow the hull to hover above the water, minimizing resistance.
This technological aspect is also reflected in the new terms that have been added to the nautical vocabulary, such as “flight controller” and other concepts that explain technologies that maximize the efficiency of the sailboats.
Aware of this complexity, TERMCAT launched an interactive infographic last year, America’s Cup Sailboats, which allows users to visually explore the main technical characteristics of the competition boats. This interactive resource also includes translations into several languages and explanatory notes about the most advanced components..
A cultural and educational event
The 37th edition of the America’s Cup in the Catalan capital is not only a world-renowned sporting event, but it has also solidified itself as a significant cultural and educational phenomenon. Initiatives such as the technical dictionary, the explanatory leaflet, and the interactive infographic enrich the experience of visitors, turning the regatta into a hub for knowledge and learning.
Additionally, at the Port of Barcelona, the America’s Cup Experience offers an official exhibition that blends history, technology, and culture, featuring simulators that allow visitors to experience the speed of the boats and the complexity of the challenges. The exhibition places a special emphasis on sustainability and technological advancements, highlighting the competition’s evolution over the years. In this way, Barcelona becomes a center of entertainment and a place of connection for sailing enthusiasts, strengthening the bond between the sport, technology, and the local community.
Remember that, as a member or annual passerby of the Nautical Club Estartit, you can enjoy a 30% discount for two people on the purchase of a general admission ticket at the box office.
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