Competition for the oldest international trophy gets underway on European waters this month as Barcelona plays host to the 37th edition of the America’s Cup. In September, five yachts from the United States, France, Switzerland, Italy and the United Kingdom compete in The Challenger Selection Series to choose a worthy opponent to go up against the defending champion, Emirates Team New Zealand. The Finals take place Oct. 12–20, when these state-of-the-art, 75-foot yachts dock at Port Vell, a mere 10-minute drive from the cruise ship terminal at Port of Barcelona’s Adossat Quay.

If you’ve never seen a regatta in person, you’re in for a treat. These multimillion-dollar fantasy yachts average speeds of 30 knots (34 mph) and can reach up to 40 knots (46 mph). Able to travel so fast, it’s no surprise these races are often short, approximately 25 minutes. The best vantage point is on the water aboard a charter boat close to the action. On land, America’s Cup Fanzones located in Plaça del Mar and Bogatell offer a direct view of the race area. Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents offers great views of the teams as they head in and out of the port before and after racing. Far more festive, visit The America’s Cup Race Village along Moll de la Fusta, which opens at noon and closes around 10 p.m. Access is free; and while there is no direct view of the water, you’ll find large screens to view the competition.

There’s no better way to meet sailing lovers from across the globe. If these races whet your appetite to get on an actual America’s Cup yacht, head to Newport, Rhode Island, the longtime home of the America’s Cup, and book a sail with America’s Cup Charters. Aboard its fleet of yachts, you’ll have the chance to be part of the crew, pulling up sails and taking the wheel, as you race against other noteworthy contenders. What better way to get a real taste of sailing than getting splashed out on the water and smelling the salty air?