“Sailing is the slowest, most expensive, most complex, and most uncomfortable way to travel to a place you don’t want to go.”
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America’s Cup, Barcelona, 22 August – 27 October
One of the most anticipated events in 2024 is the America’s Cup in Barcelona, Spain. As the oldest trophy in international sport, the America’s Cup will see the world’s top sailing teams compete in cutting-edge yachts, pushing the limits of technology and skill on the water.
Kieler Woche, Germany, 22 – 30 Jun 2024
Kieler Woche, or Kiel Week, is one of the world’s largest sailing events and a major cultural festival held annually in Kiel, Germany, during the last full week of June. Originating in 1882, it has grown to feature over 4,000 sailors from more than 50 countries competing in various regattas alongside a vibrant array of cultural activities, including concerts, art exhibitions, and international food markets.
Cowes Week, United Kingdom, 27 July – 2 August 2024
One of the oldest and most famous sailing regattas in the world, Cowes Week takes place on the Isle of Wight in early August. It features various races, from high-performance yachts to family sailing boats, attracting around 8,000 competitors and over 100,000 spectators. The event also includes a lively social scene with parties, live music, and spectacular fireworks.
Hanse Sail Rostock, Germany, 8 – 11 August
Held in the second week of August, Hanse Sail in Rostock celebrates maritime heritage, focusing on traditional sailing ships. Visitors can admire tall ships and historical vessels and participate in sailing tours. The event also features a vibrant fair with food stalls, music performances, and a large maritime market.
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, France, 8 September – 6 October
This glamorous regatta takes place in the chic Mediterranean town of Saint-Tropez, typically in late September and early October. Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez attracts a mix of classic yachts and modern racing boats, offering a spectacular display of sailing prowess amidst the beautiful backdrop of the French Riviera.
Barcolana, Italy, 4 – 13 October
The Barcolana, held in Trieste in early October, is renowned as the largest sailing race in the world by number of participants. With over 2,000 boats competing, this event creates an incredible spectacle on the Adriatic Sea. The festival atmosphere extends to the shore with music, food stalls, and various cultural events.
The Tall Ships Races, Various Locations, 27 June – 2 August
The Tall Ships Races are a series of international tall ship races organized by Sail Training International. The event occurs in different European ports each year, offering a chance to see some of the world’s most majestic sailing vessels. The race promotes international friendship and youth development through sail training.
Vendée Globe, Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, 10 November
The Vendée Globe is a solo, nonstop, around-the-world yacht race starting and finishing in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France. Held every four years, the next edition will begin in November 2024. While not a festival in the traditional sense, the event garners immense public interest, with various activities, exhibitions, and a festive atmosphere in the host town. My favourite in this year’s race is Pip Hare—follow her on Facebook!
Other Maritime Events 2024
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly will be held in London. Global leaders will convene to discuss critical regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships, pushing forward the agenda for a greener maritime sector.
Another significant event is the Posidonia 2024 in Athens, Greece, scheduled for June. As one of the world’s leading shipping exhibitions, Posidonia will gather maritime professionals from around the globe to explore the latest technological advancements, networking opportunities, and market trends.
The SMM Hamburg in September is another cornerstone event, renowned for showcasing cutting-edge maritime technology. This year’s theme focuses on digitalization and integrating smart technologies in shipbuilding, promising exciting insights and innovations.
In addition, the Singapore Maritime Week in April will highlight Asia’s pivotal role in global shipping, featuring conferences and exhibitions on topics ranging from port management to maritime cybersecurity.
Finally, the Nor-Shipping 2024 in Oslo will emphasize sustainability and green shipping solutions. With the growing focus on environmental responsibility, this event will be crucial for stakeholders looking to align with international sustainability goals.