Matthew Podger is an active competitive sailor and experienced entrepreneur. From the British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta to the 2024 America’s Cup hosted in Barcelona, this article will provide an overview of some of the biggest sailing events scheduled for 2024.
Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail GP – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
On 13th and 14th of January 2024, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail GP will kick off SailGP’s 2024 season in style. Presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event will pitch the bravest and best teams on the water against one another, battling it out for the iconic Mina Zayad. Spectators are invited to join the action on the Abu Dhabi waterfront, witnessing natural-born sailors harnessing the elemental forces of nature, tearing across the water in next-level F50 racing boats.
BVI Spring Regatta – British Virgin Islands
From 1st to 7th April 2024, sailors from across the globe will convene in the British Virgin Islands, enjoying their sheer natural beauty, crystal-clear waters and consistent trade winds. The 2023 BVI Spring Regatta saw 70 boats compete in total, with the event concluding with a fabulous firework display staged by the British Virgin Islands Government to mark the 50th anniversary of the event.
The Summer Olympics – Paris, France
Sailing has featured in the programming of every edition of the modern Olympics except the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens when adverse weather conditions forced organizers to cancel the event. From 28th July to 8th August 2024, sailors and spectators will descend on Marseille Marina for the Paris Olympic Games sailing event. A total of 330 competitors will take part, with an equal distribution between women and men. Indeed, several significant changes have been made to the Olympic sailing programming to reinforce both gender parity and diversity among nations in the qualifying process.
The America’s Cup – Barcelona, Spain
From August to October 2024, Barcelona will welcome lovers of the sea and sailing, with the iconic city hosting the 37thedition of the America’s Cup. A landmark sailing competition, the history of the America’s Cup spans some 174 years, making it the world’s oldest sporting event. For those who enjoy the thrill of competitive sport, this matchless competition will see boats fly across the water as crews compete in this nail-biting challenge.
The Rolex Sydney Hobart Race – Sydney, Australia
With an international reputation as one of the toughest Category 1 ocean races in the world, the 79th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race will be staged from 25 December 2024 to 2nd January 2025, with more than 100 yachts expected to compete in the event, ranging in size from 36 feet to a colossal 100 feet in length. With hordes of spectators lining the clifftops and waterfront of Sydney, and thousands of spectator vessels and helicopters buzzing overhead, this unique sailing competition will bring the 2024 sailing calendar to a close in style, coinciding with the lively Taste of Tasmania Festival and New Year celebrations in Hobart.
