- 40 historic gems and over 400 sailors will transform Barcelona’s coastline into a unique spectacle from July 9 to 12
- The imposing Big Boats return, along with the finest international representation of classic sailboats, featuring participants from over 10 nationalities
Tomorrow marks the start of the XVIIIth edition of the Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona regatta in the Catalan capital, now firmly established as one of the world’s most prestigious classic sailing events. Over three intense days, from tomorrow to the 12th, the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona will host a selection of the finest classic sailboats—true masterpieces of 19th and 20th-century naval engineering—crewed by more than 400 sailors.
Following the 2024 edition, which was part of the special Premier Regatta Series of the America’s Cup organized by the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona and featured the legendary America’s Cup classics, Spain’s premier classic sailing event returns this year to its traditional July dates.
Historic sailboats will make this eighteenth edition a particularly spectacular event, clearly visible from Barcelona’s coastline for both the public and sailing enthusiasts. The organizers have once again designed a range of coastal routes to bring the image of traditional sailing closer to the beaches of the Mediterranean capital. All route options will ensure the fleet competes under optimal wind conditions, with distances ranging from 12 to 19 nautical miles.
Optimal wind and sea conditions for the 2025 edition
Weather forecasts predict light but sufficient winds for these nautical gems to perform at their best. Calm seas are expected, favoring the boats’ performance, with easterly winds on Thursday shifting to southerly winds over the following two days. Additionally, a break from high temperatures is anticipated, along with the possibility of light drizzle at times.
The Puig Vela Clàssica has become a journey through time on the waves, where tradition, elegance, and competitiveness come together. Barcelona thus becomes the only international capital to host a regatta of this kind, with sea legends competing in a spectacle usually reserved for exclusive locations such as Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Antigua, or Newport.
Puig, host and organizer of the event, reaffirms its commitment to preserving nautical heritage by promoting a regatta that not only celebrates the art of sailing but also carries a strong message of sustainability and environmental respect. The values shared between the company and classic sailing—elegance, authenticity, excellence—are more relevant than ever in this essential annual event on the Mediterranean calendar.
Each day, the boats will head to the racecourse at 11:00 a.m., with races starting at 1:00 p.m., weather permitting. Spectators can enjoy these unique sights from key vantage points such as the Maremàgnum bridge or the Moll de la Fusta.
STAR SAPPHIRE: The Revival of a British Nautical Design Gem
In 2025, the Puig Vela Clàssica welcomes a very special debut: the Star Sapphire, joining other legendary vessels that have shaped the history of this regatta and classic sailing since the 19th century.
Emerging during a time of transition between tradition and modernity, the Star Sapphire introduced a new concept of motor yacht. Designed in 1957 by renowned naval architect Jack Laurent Giles—one of the most influential figures in 20th-century British nautical design—and built at the Beltrami shipyards in Genoa, this vessel was a bold and sophisticated endeavor from the start. The commission came directly from its future owner, a member of the distinguished Molins family, who was so impressed with the result that four years later he collaborated again with Giles to design another iconic yacht: the Blue Leopard.
The Star Sapphire’s story is as captivating as the waters it has sailed. Six years after its launch, the vessel returned to its original owner in a deplorable state after passing through several hands. It remained in the possession of an elderly Italian for over three decades until a delicate restoration project was undertaken between 2005 and 2006 to restore its former glory.
Today, its participation in the Puig Vela Clàssica—one of the most important classic sailing events in the Mediterranean—is not only a tribute to refined British design but also a testament to the commitment to preserving nautical heritage.
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