A commitment to the future of the territory
Barcelona, a city that has always looked to the sea, has established itself as the nautical capital. Its privileged connection with the Mediterranean, first-class infrastructures and a history linked to maritime development have made this city a focal point for sport, innovation and sustainable growth in the maritime sector. This vision is driven by the strategic work of the Barcelona Nautical Capital Foundation (FBCN), an institution that is committed to legacy projects that go beyond major events to ensure a positive and lasting impact on the territory.
A history linked to the Mediterranean
Barcelona’s relationship with the sea is as old as its very existence. The port, symbol of the city’s openness to the world, has been key to trade and economic growth for centuries. In recent years, however, Barcelona has gone a step further, becoming an international benchmark in sport and professional yachting. Events such as the America’s Cup 2024, the world’s most prestigious sailing competition, have helped the world to look to Barcelona as a key city in the sector and have acted as a catalyst for initiatives that had been started and which are now underway.
But what does it mean to be the nautical capital? It is not just about organising major events, but about leading a structural transformation involving all aspects of the yachting sector, from education to sustainability, economic and cultural promotion.
Legacy projects: impact beyond events
The FBCN works with a clear objective: to turn Barcelona and Catalonia into a model of innovative, sustainable and inclusive maritime territory. To achieve this, it promotes a series of legacy projects that aim to ensure a positive long-term impact.
The FBCN has set up programmes to bring new generations closer to the world of sailing. From school workshops to specific educational programmes, the aim is to awaken vocations and connect young people with the professional opportunities offered by the sector. Moreover, these projects are not limited to professions directly related to sailing, but include disciplines such as engineering, design and sustainable resource management.
Barcelona wants to be a benchmark in maritime sustainability, promoting the development of new technologies to reduce the environmental impact of nautical activities and the FBCN wants to be a key player. Among the outstanding initiatives is the Decarbonisation of recreational sailing project with the manufacture of 6 100% electric and Catalan boats and the creation of a Sectoral Round Table on decarbonisation.
In addition, the FBCN promotes sailing as an inclusive, sustainable and accessible sport. It works to promote sailing among young people, to promote adapted sailing and to organise international events with sailors from different countries. It is committed to technological innovation, the creation of women’s teams and supports competitive ocean sailing, all participating in championships and regattas that unite sport, territory and sustainability.
However, sailing is not only sport or economy, but also culture. Barcelona wants to recover and promote the city’s maritime heritage, from its port architecture to the traditions linked to the sea. Through cultural activities, exhibitions and festivals, the Foundation works to reconnect citizens with their maritime identity.
A model for the world
Barcelona’s commitment to sailing has not gone unnoticed. The city is already recognised as one of the best marinas in the world, thanks to infrastructures such as the Olympic Port and the Old Port. But what sets Barcelona apart from other coastal cities is its ability to look beyond the here and now.
Barcelona has positioned itself as a model maritime city that combines tradition and modernity. With its sights set on the future, the Catalan capital wants to demonstrate that the connection with the sea can be an engine of progress for the whole of society.
In a world where sustainability, innovation, sport, education and culture are more necessary than ever, the Barcelona model offers a way forward. And with the Barcelona Nautical Capital Foundation at the helm, this vision is becoming a reality, consolidating the city as the Nautical Capital.
