Kiwis’ first flight

For Emirates Team New Zealand, led by CEO Grant Dalton, the timing of the July training block is significant. It aligns closely with the seasonal window for the 2027 America’s Cup Match, giving the team early access to the likely conditions it will face when racing returns to Naples next year.

The team is seeking a fourth consecutive America’s Cup victory and will use the Naples programme to gather data, refine handling and build racecourse knowledge in the natural amphitheatre of the bay.

The training block also serves a more immediate purpose, with the second Preliminary Regatta scheduled for Naples from 24 to 27 September 2026. The event is expected to feature an expanded and more competitive AC40 fleet.

“It really is very special to be out here,” said Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Nathan Outteridge.

“To get a first-hand look at the racecourse and start feeling out the conditions in the exact window we’ll be racing in next year is a massive opportunity for us.

While we have come here to learn about the course, sailing and racing both of our AC40s is also helping prepare for the event later in September, so we’ll be getting into some more detailed sailing over the coming weeks and maximising our time while we’re here.

“We had a really good first day. Two boats out there on the racecourse for the first time with beautiful sailing conditions. A really good sea breeze came through around midday, and we were straight into it, so overall it was a solid first day here in Naples.”

Flight controller Andy Maloney said the two-boat format would be central to the team’s learning during the block.

“Having both AC40s out here allows us to push each other and really explore the nuances of the bay,” said Maloney.

“The environment is world-class, and it’s a privilege to be sailing in such an historic setting on Naples’ waters for the first time.

“There is real excitement from the entire team to get our first opportunity to scope out the racetrack for the 38th America’s Cup. It’s a pretty spectacular location, with the city of Naples spanning up the surrounding hills and Mount Vesuvius in the background.

“We have only just got off the water but are already looking forward to getting back out there and continuing to learn about this awesome venue.”

Beyond the technical focus, Emirates Team New Zealand has also noted the reception from the local community as Naples prepares to host the Cup. The city’s sporting culture, history and waterfront setting are expected to play a central role in the atmosphere of the 2027 event.

“Being in Naples is a reminder of why the 38th America’s Cup will be such a special event, but also how tough it is going to be on the water, with six strong Challengers all competing with the sole objective of winning the America’s Cup in just over one year,” said Emirates Team New Zealand COO Kevin Shoebridge.

The city has opened its arms to us, and the people we have met have been so immensely welcoming. It’s a city that breathes sport and culture, and we are already feeling the intensity and the history that this place brings to the America’s Cup.”

Emirates Team New Zealand will continue its on-water program in Naples over the coming weeks, refining systems, communication and racecourse observations as the Road to Naples 2027 gathers pace.

The wider team in Auckland will continue development of the AC75 ahead of further on-water testing and ongoing design work.

emiratesteamnz.com