It’s official: Italy, and more precisely the city of Naples, will host the 38th edition of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup.
For the first time in history, both the Louis Vuitton Cup and the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Match will take place in Italy—a country with one of the richest and most fascinating traditions in the America’s Cup. In 2027, the eyes of the world will turn to Italy, and especially to the city of Naples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Naples will be the host city for the most renowned international sailing trophy.
The competition for the 38th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup will unfold in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, along the coastline of this vibrant city, known for its proud and rich cultural heritage. Italy and Naples will offer a unique experience for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, further elevating the myth, passion, rivalry, and innovation that define this prestigious event.
It was none other than the Defender of the America’s Cup, Team New Zealand, who made the announcement—through CEO Grant Dalton—officially naming Naples as the host city, selected after a highly competitive bidding process.
“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.
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 to host the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup”.
“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 for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Match – said Commodore David Blakey of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron – Bringing the Cup back to Europe—into the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant sailing communities—not only honours the rich history of the event but also creates an incredible opportunity to showcase New Zealand sailing and innovation on a global stage. Naples, Italy promises to be a spectacular setting for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, as well as the Youth and Women’s regattas. We are proud to be defending the Cup there in 2027. Our Squadron members had an unforgettable experience travelling to Europe for the latest America’s Cup, and we look forward to delivering even more exclusive experiences and support opportunities in Naples, Italy”.
Naples has played host to America’s Cup action in 2012 & 2013 in the lead up to the 34th America’s Cup, hosting two America’s Cup World Series events which local event officials estimated more than one million people turned up to watch the racing from the Naples waterfront over the week-long event.
The bid for Italy and particularly Naples bought a clear ambition to leverage the America’s Cup as a means to modernise the city’s infrastructure while honouring its history and providing the spectacle of AC75 America’s Cup racing for the people of Italy.
“The choice of Italy, and Naples in particular, as venue of the 38th edition of the America’s Cup represents a tremendous opportunity for the entire country to enhance the value of its territory, to boost tourism, and to promote sports. Our commitment will be also to promote initiatives, projects and measures for sea education and economy – says Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi – The awarding of this edition is a great success. A team victory and I thank President Meloni, who from the very beginning recognized the deep meaning of bringing such an important international event to Italy, having a great sport, social, touristic and industrial impact.
The major investment, organizational capabilities, and fulfilment of all necessary requirements testify to the preparation, expertise, and professionalism of a team that—working in concert with the Government, and led by Sport e Salute as the implementing body—has shown it has everything it takes to meet the expectations of all stakeholders, the rights holder of the competition, Team New Zealand, the winner of the last edition.
Hosting the America’s Cup in Naples also represents a strategic opportunity to accelerate the environmental rehabilitation and urban regeneration program of Bagnoli, the area that will host the teams’ bases.
All this will unfold in a unique and captivating setting, rich in contents and suggestions, a first time for our nation, one that will make all Italians proud and surely leave the rest of the world breathless”.
“Hosting the 38th America’s Cup in Naples represents an extraordinary international showcase for the beauty and history of our territory – says Gaetano Manfredi, Mayor of Naples – We have worked diligently on this bid over the recent months in close collaboration with the Government, successfully prevailing over other competing cities. This achievement will generate a substantial economic impact on our territory, as experienced by previous host cities such as Barcelona and Valencia. The event is set to be the most significant sporting occasion ever hosted by Naples, transforming the city’s iconic Gulf into a stage for spectacular races among the world’s elite sailing teams.
An opportunity to show the world not only the beauty of our landscape, but also the city’s ability to competently address the great challenges of the present. The races will take place in the waters between Castel dell’Ovo and Posillipo, while the team bases will be established in Bagnoli – a strategic area where the Government has decided to invest decisively, with the goal of finally returning it to the city and its citizens.
The complex work of environmental remediation and redevelopment in Bagnoli is already underway and progressing according to plan. The America’s Cup will serve as a powerful accelerator for tourism, the maritime economy, local entrepreneurship, and the development of new skills, providing a tangible preview of what this area can become upon completion of its urban regeneration.
I would like to thank the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, and all the institutional and technical stakeholders involved for the trust placed in our city. Naples is ready and will continue to demonstrate its ability to deliver concrete results”.
