How to become an America’s Cup volunteer

The organisers of the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona have launched the AC37 volunteer programme and are seeking thousands of volunteers to support the event across 2023 and 2024.

“We are seeking the most diverse candidates from all backgrounds and demographics to become ‘Team B’ — Team Barcelona — and showcase the event and the city to the world,” says AC37 event CEO Grant Dalton. “It’s an ambitious project with a total of 2,300 volunteers required to ensure the smooth running of all facets of the event and is open to all adults, genders, demographics, and abilities. We are seeking volunteers that have a passion for Barcelona, a passion for volunteering, and want to showcase the values of the 37th America’s Cup on the world stage.”

There are three specific areas of volunteering, grouped as: On Water, On Land and TV & Media.

Organisers say the huge number of roles on offer means a wide variety of volunteer positions such as supporting the America’s Cup trophy as it travels around Barcelona; ‘green angels’ promoting sustainability; VIP and America’s Cup village support; marshal support out on the water; stake boat support to manage the America’s Cup racecourse; Port Olímpic fan zone support; and superyacht programme support.

Where is the America’s Cup?

Barcelona was selected as the host venue for the 37th America’s Cup in March 2022, after a long, competitive and controversial selection process. In 2021, team New Zealand officially rejected a NZ$99 million (£52m) bid from the New Zealand Government and Auckland Council to host AC37.

The volunteer registration for the Barcelona events in 2024 is now open and will run through to November 2023, with the review process taking place between December 2023 and February 2024 ahead of appointments and confirmations that will be communicated in March 2024.

In addition to the AC37 Team B Volunteer programme for the 68 days of America’s Cup events taking place between August and October 2024, there is also an immediate call for volunteers to assist the smooth running of the first America’s Cup preliminary regatta to be held in Vilanova i La Geltrú.

The AC37 volunteer programme is seeking 350 volunteers, with organisers saying they have a preference for local volunteers to apply for the myriad of positions on offer. Availability will be required from 12 September-17 September 2023, with training being conducted on 12 and 13 September 2023.

Applicants for all volunteer roles for the Barcelona 2024 events will need to be at least 18 years of age on 31 December 2023 and willing to commit to specific ten-day group shifts, published in advance, of approximately six hours for each group per day. Volunteers may apply for all six groups over the 68-day event period or select those that suit them best. Every successful applicant, after the initial screening process, will be interviewed either in person or via telephone or video conferencing.

The 37th America’s Cup takes place between August and October 2024 in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and one of the most visited cities globally.