SailTeamBcn, the Spanish sailing team sponsored by CaixaBank, is ready to make history in the first edition of the Women’s America’s Cup. After completing the official training sessions, the team will make its debut on October 6th in the waters of Barcelona, becoming the first Spanish women’s team to compete in this prestigious international competition.
The patrons Silvia Mas and Neus Ballester, along with the trimers María Cantero and Paula Barceló, will be in charge of sailing the AC40 for SailTeamBcn. Nicole Van der Velden completes the lineup as the reserve sailor. For all of them, competing in the Women’s America’s Cup is an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the talent and potential of women’s sports in the world of sailing.
A novelty in the America’s Cup in Barcelona
The Women’s America’s Cup is part of the 37th edition of the America’s Cup and represents a new format that promotes inclusion in this sport. For the first time in its history, women will compete in this legendary regatta, facing off against 11 other teams from different countries. The event will take place in Barcelona from October 5 to 13, and promises to be a key platform for the growth of women’s sports.
The SailTeamBcn sailors have expressed their enthusiasm for being part of this historic competition. Silvia Mas, world champion in the 470 class and Olympian in Tokyo, has emphasized the importance of this opportunity: “It’s historic, it’s the first time women are participating in the America’s Cup. I’m super happy that it’s in Barcelona, at home, and also with a great responsibility.” Paula Barceló, world medallist in the 49erFx class, has highlighted the impact that this competition will have on future generations: “Many barriers are being broken in women’s sports, and we have the responsibility to continue paving the way.”
Milestone in Spanish sports
CaixaBank, which has supported SailTeamBcn in its preparation, has a long history of involvement in sports, especially in the sponsorship field. Since 1988, with its participation in the ADO plan for the Barcelona ’92 Olympic Games, the institution has promoted social and economic progress through sports. Currently, CaixaBank sponsors various soccer, basketball, and Paralympic sports teams and competitions, as well as several popular races.
The debut of SailTeamBcn in the Women’s America’s Cup is a milestone in Spanish sports, and CaixaBank continues to demonstrate its commitment to promoting female talent in the sports field. The team members are ready to give their best, and with their participation, continue to progress towards gender equality in elite sports.