THE America’s Cup returns this week for the 37th edition of the oldest international sporting competition in the world.

Great Britian’s INEOS Britannia, skippered by Olympic legend Sir Ben Ainslie, are making their first appearance in the final of the iconic event for 60 years.

They earned their spot in the last two by beating 2021 America’s Cup runners-up Luna Rossa of Italy.

INEOS Britannia, who are backed by Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, face two-time defending champions Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in Barcelona.

Great Britain will be aiming to join New Zealand, Switzerland, Australia and United States in being the only teams to triumph in the competition since its formation.

SunSport has all the information you need ahead of the iconic sailing competition below…

When is the America’s Cup 2024?

• The America’s Cup 2024 will begin on Saturday, October 12.
• The competition will run until Monday, October 21.
• Organisers have held dates between Tuesday, October 22-Sunday, October 27, as reserve days.
• The race is held on the waters of Port Olimpic in Barcelona.

How does the America’s Cup work?

The America’s Cup first began in 1851 on the coast of the Isle of Wight.

The iconic competition sees two teams face off in a best-of-13 format.

Whichever team reaches seven race wins will become champions.

Each race is split into six legs, with the two teams racing upwind on the opening leg before sailing downwind on the second – and repeating until all six legs have been completed – the team that has won the most legs will claim a point towards their target of seven.

This year’s race is held on the waters of Port Olimpic in Barcelona, which is a 3.2km course and requires boats to stay within a 0.9km width restriction, with a penalty issued to any team that strays too far.

America’s Cup 2024 schedule

On race days, races are scheduled to begin at around 2pm local time (1pm BST), subject to weather conditions.

• Saturday, October 12: Race 1, Race 2
• Sunday, October 13: Race 3, Race 4
• Monday, October 14: Reserve day if required
• Tuesday, October 15: No racing scheduled
• Wednesday, October 16: Race 5, Race 6
• Thursday, October 17: Reserve day if required
• Friday, October 18: Race 7, Race 8 if required
• Saturday, October 19: Race 9 if required, Race 10 if required
• Sunday, October 20: Race 11 if required, Race 12 if required
• Monday, October 21: Race 13 if required
• Tuesday, October 22 –Sunday, October 27: Reserve days if required

How to watch the America’s Cup 2024

• In the UK, the America’s Cup 2024 will be broadcast on TNT Sports.
• TNT Sports customers can live stream all the action on the discovery+ app.
• TNT Sports will also be providing a highlights programme on race days.