For the first time the Louis Vuitton Cup and Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Match will be sailed in Italy, a country with one of the most colorful and enthusiastic America’s Cup histories.
In 2027, the world will look to Italy and specifically to Naples, the capital of the Campania region in Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most ancient cities in Europe, as it becomes the Host City for the world’s oldest international sports trophy.
The fight for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will take place under the watchful shadow of Mt Vesuvius and just off the waterfront of the vibrant city. With a proud heritage and rich history, Italy and Naples offer the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup an unparalleled experience that one way or another is certain to add to the myth, obsession, rivalry and innovation of the America’s Cup.
Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth for Italy has played a key role in the bid process and is delighted for the announcement of the President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni about Italy as the Host Country for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup.
“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,” Abodi says. “Our commitment will be also to promote initiatives, projects and measures for sea education and economy. 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 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 and Government Special Commissioner for Bagnoli. “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.”
Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Defender Team New Zealand said, “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.”
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 Naples, Italy bought a clear ambition to leverage the America’s Cup as a means to modernize the city’s infrastructure while honoring its history and providing the spectacle of AC75 America’s Cup racing for the people of Italy.
As current holder and Trustee of the America’s Cup, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is looking forward to Naples, Italy being a vibrant catalyst for the continued growth of the 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 honurs 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.”
