The Real Club Náutico de Barcelona (RCNB) and BMW Spain have reached an agreement to collaborate over the next two years. The German automotive company will sponsor the 51st edition of the Conde de Godó Trophy, which will be held from May 29 to June 2 in the waters of Barcelona and will feature the participation of nearly 70 boats from 13 countries.
From left to right: David Escudé, Gonzalo Sanjuan, Ana Godó, Jordi Puig, Pablo Garriga, and Xavier Torres
Barcelona, May 15, 2024 – Today, the 51st edition of the Conde de Godó BMW Sailing Trophy was presented to the media. The event was attended by Jordi Puig, president of the RCNB, accompanied by Gonzalo Sanjuan, marketing director of BMW Spain; David Escudé, sports councilor of the Barcelona City Council; Xavier Torres, president of the Catalan Sailing Federation; Ana Godó, vice president of the RCNB and representative of the Godó family; and Pablo Garriga, commodore of the RCNB and regatta director.
Jordi Puig, president of the RCNB, welcomed the authorities and media, saying, "We have nearly 70 entries, 500 sailors representing 13 countries, demonstrating our ability to attract boats to Barcelona, promoting the city to become the nautical capital we aim for. As a novelty, the Joan Guiu regatta, for ORC A Dos, is incorporated within the Conde de Godó Sailing Trophy. The Women's Cup also returns with more participation," adding, "the regatta is held in the context of the America's Cup in our city, and we are fortunate to compete on the same racecourse where the America's Cup teams train." He concluded, "I would like to thank all the sponsors, especially BMW, which, as the official sponsor, supports the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona and this regatta, giving its name to the 51st Conde de Godó BMW Sailing Trophy, supporting the sport of sailing. We hope this journey lasts a long time."
Pablo Garriga, commodore of the RCNB and regatta director, used his speech to provide technical details: "In addition to the usual ORC fleet, the participation of the ORC A Dos fleet is increasing, now in its third consecutive year, consolidating this category with 12 planned courses towards the north, the Delta, and also the Balearic Islands. The women's category in J70 is also consolidated, competing in the World Championship in Palma de Mallorca this year. Additionally, our Optimist team will be represented, competing in J70. These are young sailors aged 10 to 14, who are joining higher-level regattas," he added, "we are particularly excited to announce an initiative by the RCNB, led by our honorary member Alex Pella, an ocean sailor, who is preparing for a new record, the round Spain trip. He will set sail from Bilbao in July and arrive at the RCNB, a record that will remain at the Club until someone breaks it."
Xavier Torres, president of the Catalan Sailing Federation, added:"Having a benchmark regatta like the Conde de Godó Trophy is a source of pride, and we appreciate it on behalf of the Catalan Sailing Federation and the Spanish Sailing Federation. Thanks to the Godó family for their support, to BMW and the sponsors of the regatta, and especially to the RCNB, which is strongly committed to sailing and also to its Optimist team, which creates grassroots sailors to ensure a good legacy."
David Escudé, sports councilor:"I appreciate that we are here because we have believed in this sport, and we can talk about the America's Cup, and without you, it would not make sense. This edition is more important than ever because we have the best sailing event in the world, which is the America's Cup, and it is a crucial moment to boost this sector. We need to start talking about what we want to happen after the America's Cup, as happened with the 92 Olympics. Sailing must become a regular and local sport in the city of Barcelona, and for this, the RCNB and the Catalan Sailing Federation are essential. You have all the support of the Barcelona City Council."
Organized by the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona with the collaboration of the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation and the Catalan Sailing Federation, the 51st Conde de Godó BMW Sailing Trophy is sponsored by BMW and supported by La Vanguardia, the Barcelona City Council, and the Generalitat of Catalonia. The collaborators include Mapfre, Engel & Völkers, Veri, Royal Bliss, Estrella Damm, Isdin, Gramona, Tropicfeel, and Boero Yacht Coatings.
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