From 9 to 12 July the waters of Barcelona will again host a new edition of the Puig Vela Classica race, one of the most emblematic competitions in the Mediterranean for classic boats. Organized by Puig and the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona, and the support of Barcelona City Council, the tenth edition will bring together some of the most outstanding jewels of the naval architecture of the 19th and 20th centuries (Photo Nico Martínez)

After an exceptional edition in 2024 marked by the America's Cup, this year the race takes up its usual calendar, establishing four main categories depending on the design, antiquity and dimensions of the participating ships:

• Boats of Epoch: boats made of wood or metal launched before 31 December 1949.
• Classic boats: built of wood or metal in accordance with the original plans and launched between 1 January 1950 and 31 December 1975.
• Modern Classics: classic design and modern construction boats using state-of-the-art materials (Leonardo Yachts, Spirit Yachts, Hoek Design...).
• Big Boats: Epoque and Classic boats with a length of more than 23 meters.

Throughout its various editions, the Puig Vela Classica regatta has involved ships as iconic as the Moonbeam III, which hosted the honeymoon of Grace Kelly and Rainier of Monaco; the Mariette, the centenary jewel of the Atlantic; the Islander, which holds the record of sailing alone around the world; or the Manitou, which was used by John F. Kennedy in his years as President of the United States.

During the four days in which the race will take place, all those in the city will have the opportunity to contemplate these centenary ships in action. The Barceloneta, the Port Olímpic or the Port Vell are some of the key points from which lovers of the classical sailing can follow this new edition of the Puig race, transforming the Barcelona coast into a unique stage for lovers of the purest nautical. The XVIII Puig Vela Classica Barcelona is an international event that forms part of the official calendar of the RFEV and is notable for the III CIM International Championship, as well as for the XIV Mare Nostrum-Copa de España de Barcos Classicos.