Naples named host city for the 38th America’s Cup in 2027

Italy has been confirmed as the host country for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, with the vibrant southern city of Naples set to stage the regatta in spring and summer 2027.

The announcement was made today by Team New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, alongside the Government of Italy, marking the first time the America’s Cup will be contested in Italian waters. The event will unfold in the Gulf of Naples beneath the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, with team bases set to be located in the Bagnoli district as part of a broader urban regeneration project.

Naples boasts a rich maritime heritage and previously hosted America’s Cup World Series events in 2012 and 2013, drawing more than a million spectators to its seafront. In 2027, it will take centre stage once more as the world’s oldest international sporting trophy returns to Europe.

Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton said: "I couldn’t be more excited to announce Naples, Italy as the host venue of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup. There is a raw spirit and absolute pride in Italy that seems so appropriate to have the next America’s Cup here. By bringing the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup to this country, it feels like we are bringing it to the people, in our ambition to continually grow the audience of the America’s Cup and sport of sailing."

He continued: "Italians are the most passionate and engaged America’s Cup audience and obviously it is the home of Luna Rossa, who are such an amazing team and strong competitor. So, from the Defender’s position, it certainly feels like we are entering the lion’s den competitively, but from an event perspective, it feels like the perfect venue."

Italy’s minister for sport and youth, Andrea Abodi, called the Cup a "team victory" for the nation and praised its potential to boost tourism, sports development and marine industry initiatives. "All this will unfold in a unique and captivating setting, rich in content and suggestions, a first time for our nation, one that will make all Italians proud and surely leave the rest of the world breathless," he said.

The Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, confirmed that the racing will take place between Castel dell’Ovo and Posillipo, with preparations already underway to transform Bagnoli into a state-of-the-art race village and home for the Cup teams.

Commodore David Blakey of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron added: "Italy has long been one of Team New Zealand’s fiercest and most passionate rivals in the America’s Cup, and we are thrilled to see Naples, Italy, named as the host venue."

The announcement follows a string of recent developments surrounding the 38th America’s Cup, including INEOS Britannia’s withdrawal from the competition, a new partnership between SailGP and DJ Khaled, and the release of an economic impact report from the 37th edition in Barcelona.

BOAT will provide further details regarding the race programme and supporting events, including the Youth and Women’s regattas, as they are announced in due course.