Barcelona will be hosting its third Barcelona World Race, one of the world’s most demanding yachting competitions. The regatta is part of the IMOCA (International Monohull Open Class Association) World Championships.The Barcelona World Race is the only two-handed, non-stop round-the-world race. The approximate distance covered by the regatta is 25,000 nautical miles (46,300 km.) which will take the crews three months to complete. During the competition they will have to face the harshest climatic and weather conditions and sail the most inhospitable seas far from dry land. On 31st December 2014, the third of these regattas – which will be a zero-emission sporting event – will set sail from the Port of Barcelona.

Barcelona will be hosting the Mediterranean Tall Ships Regatta from 21st to 24th September 2013. These vessels, which measure between 20 and 40 metres in length,and their crews, will be taking part in four days of activities open to the public at large as part of the 2013 Mercè Festival: tours of the ships, sporting activities, environmental and sailing workshops, parades, concerts… designed to put the Mediterranean tradition and maritime culture in the spotlight. The event seeks to highlight environmental issues, educational values and foster marine culture, aspects shared by the Fundació Navegació Oceànica de Barcelona and the Tall Ships Regatta.