Dress rehearsal

The Bastione di Saint Remy, one of Cagliari’s most symbolic historical sites with wide ranging views of the port city and the Bay of Angels, played host to the Official Opening Ceremony of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta, Sardinia – the first stop on the ‘Road to Naples’ in 2027.

Racing takes place in the Bay of Angels from the 22 to 24 May 2026 with eight AC40 foiling yachts comprised of five of the seven team entries for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup and will include for the first time three Women & Youth teams representing the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, the Challenger of Record, GB1 and the Italian Challenger Luna Rossa.

To allow for the completion of redevelopment work in the Bagnoli area, the participating teams will be hosted at the Navy Logistics Command in Nisida, thanks to significant inter-institutional collaboration coordinated by the Italian government. The crews will then move to Bagnoli, where they will remain until 2027, when for the first time in history, the world’s oldest, continually contested, sporting contest will come to Italy.

The racecourse will be the Bay of Naples, a unique setting that will serve as the backdrop for the races.

The event will represent not only a preview of international-level competition but also an opportunity to showcase to the world Italy’s ability to organise and host global-scale events in anticipation of the historic 2027 event and the urban transformation of Naples.

Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth stated, “Italy doubles down!

“The second Preliminary Regatta of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will take place in the stunning setting of Naples from 24 to 27 September. The Neapolitan city is thus preparing for a first dress rehearsal in its charming stretch of water, a baptism that holds many meanings, embodying the spirit of collaboration among institutions and the rebirth of a place, Bagnoli, which has been left to its own devices for over thirty years.

“It also reflects the beauty of the places that welcome us, a destiny that was written in the stars because we simply had to stay in Italy.

The city’s readiness—and that of its institutions – to showcase not only what the sea offers but also what this event represents, brings to life what was initially a dream, an idea, which then became a project in which the government has invested with the awareness that it will generate value, development, appeal, investment, tourism, social interaction, and new opportunities for everyone, starting with young people.

“The America’s Cup has spanned the centuries, consolidating its universal value, and Naples is, after Cagliari, a stop on a journey that began just over a year ago with the awarding of the organisation. This journey is proceeding with concreteness and punctuality, day after day, staying on course as we approach what will be the world’s most important sailing event in 2027.”

Marco Mezzaroma, President of Sport e Salute added, “We are particularly pleased to announce that as early as September 2026, the grand sailing spectacle of the America’s Cup will arrive in Naples, thanks to genuine teamwork among institutions, coordinated by the Government, which will bring an event of global significance to the region.

“The decision to schedule the preliminary regatta for late September stems from a careful and shared assessment, grounded in vision, planning, and common sense: a decision designed to extend the summer season, facilitate better management of traffic flows in the Gulf of Naples, allow for the optimal completion of the Bagnoli redevelopment works—which are proceeding at a rapid pace—and provide a further boost to tourism and the local economy.

This event will represent much more than a major sporting event: it will be a generator of value, an extraordinary international showcase for Italy and for Naples. We want to turn it into an opportunity to engage schools, local areas, the suburbs, and the entire community, leaving a tangible legacy.

“We would like to extend our thanks to the Italian Government, the Minister for Sport and Youth, the Special Commissioner and Mayor of Naples, the President of the Campania Region, the America’s Cup organization, and Invitalia. But also, to the Minister of Defence, the Italian Navy, and Difesa Servizi, who will allow the participating teams to make a stop in Nisida, just a short walk from Bagnoli.

“This demonstrates that when Italy works as a team, it does not merely host major events: it turns them into concrete opportunities for growth, development, and the future.”

Gaetano Manfredi, Mayor of Naples and Special Government Commissioner for Bagnoli commented, “Hosting the America’s Cup pre-regatta in the coming months, ahead of the competition in which Naples will play a leading role next year, represents a great opportunity for our entire region.

“The city will be ready to consolidate its role as an international hub capable of providing hospitality, event management, and services. While reclamation and regeneration work continues in Bagnoli, we will prioritise Nisida and its mission of social renewal.”

Roberto Fico, President of the Campania Region added, “With the Preliminary Regattas in Naples, Campania is preparing to experience a first significant moment of the America’s Cup.

“Thanks to the institutional synergies that have been put in place, we are working to ensure the event’s success and to welcome crews, tourists, and sailing enthusiasts for this important occasion. The goal is to involve the entire region in an event that can be widely promoted and participated in, capable of producing lasting benefits for the region’s image and economy.”

Joining them at the event, Marzio Perrelli, CEO of The America’s Cup Partnership said, “Following the success of the Preliminary Regatta in Cagliari, we are delighted that Naples has confirmed the second Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta from 24 to 27 September.

“The Gulf of Naples is the perfect amphitheatre for America’s Cup races. Our thanks go to the Government, Sport e Salute, the City of Naples, and the Campania Region.”

americascup.com