Naples Regatta opens

America’s Cup teams have been officially welcomed to Naples with an opening ceremony on the island of Nisida ahead of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta.

Photography by America's Cup

24 September 2026

The Naples ceremony marked the official opening of the second Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta, bringing teams, government representatives and local officials together as the focus shifts to racing on the Bay of Naples.

Held against the backdrop of Bagnoli and the Bay of Naples, the ceremony highlighted the city’s growing role in the America’s Cup as preparations continue not only for this week’s AC40 racing but also for the main Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in 2027.

Temporary team bases have been established on Nisida for the Preliminary Regatta, while development continues at Bagnoli ahead of the arrival of the first AC75s.

Minister Abodi, Minister for Sport & Youth addressing the audience of sailors, officials and media.

Teams, officials and guests gather for the official opening of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta.

Max Sirena and Luna Rossa team members attend events surrounding the opening of the Naples Preliminary Regatta.

Marzio Perrelli, CEO of the America’s Cup Partnership and Roberto Fico, President of the Campania Region.

Women sailors from the America’s Cup teams gather with the trophy during events in Naples.

Guests gather for the official opening ceremony overlooking Nisida and the Bay of Naples.

Nisida and the Bay of Naples, setting the stage for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta.

The America’s Cup trophy takes centre stage during the opening ceremony for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Naples.

A dramatic sunset over the Bay of Naples provides the backdrop to the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta.

Guests enjoy an opera erformance during the opening ceremony for the Naples Preliminary Regatta.

America’s Cup Partnership CEO Marzio Perrelli told guests the organisation wanted to become part of Naples over the coming months and emphasised the competitive nature of the preliminary racing.

“Now let’s talk about the races starting on Friday – the preliminary races. Let’s make it clear straight away that there is absolutely nothing ‘friendly’ about the America’s Cup.

“So all the teams will be competing with the same competitiveness and aggression towards one another that has always existed – whether on land or at sea – 365 days a year. It’s not just a regatta; it’s not just a sporting event.”

He said the America’s Cup continued to push technology and human performance, with teams constantly searching for incremental gains in speed and performance.

The Naples event will also again provide opportunities for Women & Youth sailors, with teams permitted to enter a second AC40 crewed by members of their Women & Youth programs.

Roberto Fico, President of the Campania Region, highlighted the cooperation between local and national institutions and the aim of ensuring the America’s Cup delivers a lasting benefit for Naples and the wider Campania region.

Italy’s Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, also spoke about the wider significance of bringing the event to Naples and the potential legacy beyond the racing itself.

Emirates Team New Zealand’s AC40s train on the Bay of Naples ahead of the Preliminary Regatta.

Alinghi Red Bull Racing sails off Naples ahead of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta.

ARC USA Team powers through the Bay of Naples during preparations for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta.

GB1 foils across the Bay of Naples ahead of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta.

Luna Rossa takes flight on its foils during preparations for the Naples Preliminary Regatta.

The AC40 fleet takes to the Bay of Naples ahead of racing in the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta.

Countdown clock unveiling at Lungomare.

The opening ceremony concluded with opera performances and a reception ahead of the competitive program.

The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Naples runs from 24 to 27 September, with final preparations on Thursday before fleet racing begins on Friday 25 September.

Three fleet races are scheduled for Friday and another three on Saturday, followed by two on Sunday. After eight scheduled fleet races, the top two crews will progress to a one-race match-racing final to decide the Naples title.

americascup.com

Previous article

Mornington champs

Next article

USA ready to race