Equipped with his Leica Geovid 8×32 Pro and Leica Noctivid 8×42 binoculars, Leica Sport Optics Ambassador Marc Stickler travelled to Barcelona to experience the performance of the optics in maritime use. Here on the Spanish coast, he had the opportunity to watch this unique and spectacular sailing regatta live: The 37th America’s Cup.
Barcelona, the lively Mediterranean city, was this autumn the perfect setting for the 37th America’s Cup, the most prestigious sailing regatta. The city literally vibrated with energy as the world’s best sailing crews anchor in the marinas and prepare their boats for the race. As an avid water sports enthusiast, I was able to experience the racing action in unrivalled detail and optical proximity, accompanied by the advanced technology of Leica Sport Optics.
The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest international sailing regatta, which has been held since 1851. It is a competition in which yacht clubs from all over the world compete against each other. The defender (winner of the last Cup), competes against the challenger who has placed through qualifying races for the final. Traditionally, the Cup is a symbol of technological progress in sailing, as each team competes with innovative designs and strategies.
The teams are currently sailing on so-called AC75 yachts, ultra-modern monohull boats that are equipped with foils. This hydrofoil technology lifts the boat out of the water at high speeds, significantly reducing water resistance. The boats literally ‘fly’ over the waves and reach speeds of over 55 knots (approx. 100 km/h). The foils make the race particularly spectacular, as they enable extremely fast manoeuvres and the teams have to steer precisely to keep their balance.
From the first glance at the iconic AC75 yachts, which appear to float above the water with their hydrofoils, you can sense the pioneering design that characterises the America’s Cup today. These high-speed boats offer a breathtaking spectacle not only for the crews, but also for the spectators. Thanks to the Leica binoculars, it was a very special experience for me.
The view through Leica Sport Optics
Thanks to the Leica binoculars, which are known for their exceptional sharpness and clarity, the race was a visual treat for me that went far beyond what the naked eye could see. Every gust of wind, every manoeuvre and every wave that hit the boats was crystal clear and visible down to the smallest detail. It felt as if you were not just a spectator, but right in the middle of the action. The extraordinary depth of field of the optics ensured that the action on the water took on an almost three-dimensional quality. Every detail of the sails and the movements of the crew members could be closely observed from a distance.
Barcelona as the perfect backdrop
The backdrop of Barcelona added a special atmosphere to the experience. The city’s modern skyline, coupled with its historic charm, provided a fascinating contrast to the blue, glittering waters of the Mediterranean.
With the Leica binoculars, I was able to capture not only the race on the water, but also the beauty of the surrounding area in all its splendour. From the bustling harbour to the sailing boats heading out to sea between races, it was an unforgettable panorama.
Technology meets adrenaline
The America’s Cup, like Formula 1, is a race of extremes, where technique, speed and tactics come together. For someone like me, who was able to follow the action in such detail thanks to Leica’s high-quality optics, it was an experience that went far beyond mere observation. I was able to witness the teams’ strategies, their fine-tuning on the boats and the tight manoeuvres on the water in real time. Thanks to the high optical performance, I was able to follow the full dynamics and adrenaline rush of the race in impressive clarity – almost as if I was part of the crew myself.
One day of the America’s Cup: Deepen the Moment
It’s a bright morning in Barcelona. The sun is shining, the sky is cloudless and the sea is glistening in different shades of blue as I make my way to the America’s Cup. Even from a distance, I can feel the excitement in the air. The huge cuppers are ready, the city is filled with the sound of the sails flapping in the wind and the cheers of the spectators. But today I wasn’t just going to be a spectator – with the Leica Sport Optics binoculars, I experienced the spectacle up close as if I were on one of the boats myself.
As soon as I arrive, I unpack my binoculars – the legendary top-of-the-range Leica Noctivid is renowned for its almost 3D-like effect, which allows us to follow every detail of the races. With the compact Leica Geovid, I can also measure the distance up to about 3000 metres. I am positioned on a raised platform on the water, the perfect setting to experience the magic of this event with all its nuances. The races begin, and after just a few seconds it is clear that I would only have caught a fraction of the action with the naked eye. Binoculars in hand and set to work – and the world of the America’s Cup unfolds in fascinating images. Suddenly I am no longer just a passive observer on the sidelines. I see the sailors on the boats perfecting every movement with intense concentration. The wind billows out the sails as the boats glide across the water at breakneck speed.
Thanks to the exceptional image quality of the Leica binoculars, I don’t miss a single detail.It’s as if the boats are crashing through the waves right in front of us.We can see the tension on the faces of the crew members, the sparkling drops of water shooting up from the catamarans and even the smallest movements of the helmsmen, who are doing everything they can to stay on course.The brilliant colours and unparalleled contrast allow me to experience every element of the scene with fascinating clarity – almost as if I were on the boat cutting through the waves myself. It’s like being part of the action.
The hours fly by
Every manoeuvre, every turning point, every decision made by the teams is immediate and vivid through the lenses of our binoculars. At the end of the day, when the last race is over and the boats return to the harbour, I am filled with the euphoria of this unique experience. Thanks to the Leica Sport Optics binoculars, I didn’t just see the America’s Cup – I experienced it. The adrenalin, the excitement, the beauty of sailing – I will remember all of this for a long time to come. Being in the thick of it instead of just being there – this feeling, this experience, makes the day an unforgettable adventure.
Thank you
Thanks to the Alinghi Red Bull Racing Teams to give me the possibility to have a better ovierview over the action from their excellent viewing platforms and the support boat for the team at sea. All the best to the excellent team and success for the 38th American’s Cup.
