Naples to host to the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup

Organisers of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup have announced Naples, Italy as the host city for the event, which will be held in the spring and summer of 2027.

The announcement was made jointly by the Government of Italy, Defender Emirates Team New Zealand, and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. This will be the first time that both the Louis Vuitton Cup and the America’s Cup Match will take place in Italy.

Naples, the capital of the Campania region, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. The racing will take place in the Gulf of Naples, with the competition unfolding between Castel dell’Ovo and Posillipo, while the team bases will be located in the Bagnoli district.

Italian Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, played a pivotal role in securing the bid and described the announcement as a “tremendous opportunity” for Italy. “The awarding of this edition is a great success,” said Abodi. “This event represents not only a celebration of sport, but a wider initiative to enhance our maritime culture, stimulate tourism and accelerate the environmental and urban regeneration of Bagnoli.”

Echoing this sentiment, Minister of Economy and Finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti, added, “This prestigious sporting event marks a significant step in the revitalisation of an area that has long faced challenges and to whose development we remain firmly committed.”

Naples previously hosted the America’s Cup World Series events in 2012 and 2013, attracting over one million spectators across both editions. The success of those events and the region’s enthusiastic sailing fanbase helped to reinforce Naples’ credentials as a compelling choice for the 2027 Match.

Mayor of Naples and Government Special Commissioner for Bagnoli, Gaetano Manfredi, highlighted the transformative potential of the event. “Hosting the 38th America’s Cup represents an extraordinary international showcase for the beauty and history of our territory,” said Manfredi.

“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.”

Manfredi added that the Cup will be the most significant sporting event ever staged in Naples, bringing global attention to the city and affirming its capacity to deliver on large-scale international projects.

In addition to the main match, the 2027 edition will also feature the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup regattas, further strengthening the event’s appeal and commitment to the sport’s future.

Further announcements regarding the event schedule, infrastructure and participating teams are anticipated in the coming months.