From September 25 to 27, the Bay of Naples will host the second preliminary regatta of the 38th America’s Cup, bringing together leading international sailing teams for three days of competition. Naples is preparing for a major international sailing event as the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta approaches. From September 25 to 27, 2026, the city's famous bay will welcome some of the world's most accomplished sailing teams for an important stage on the road to the 2027 America’s Cup. Following the opening preliminary event in Cagliari, where Luna Rossa's senior crew claimed victory ahead of Emirates Team New Zealand, the AC40 fleet will return to racing in one of the Mediterranean's most recognizable settings. With Mount Vesuvius overlooking the racecourse and the Naples waterfront providing a spectacular backdrop, the event promises three days of high-speed competition. Six international teams and nine boats are expected to participate, offering spectators an early opportunity to see the competitors preparing for the next America’s Cup.
Update
America’s Cup 2026: Naples Welcomes the World’s Sailing Elite as Luna Rossa Prepares for Preliminary Regatta
From September 25 to 27, the Bay of Naples will host the second preliminary regatta of the 38th America’s Cup, bringing together leading international sailing teams for three days of competition.
Naples is preparing for a major international sailing event as the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta approaches.
From September 25 to 27, 2026, the city's famous bay will welcome some of the world's most accomplished sailing teams for an important stage on the road to the 2027 America’s Cup.
Following the opening preliminary event in Cagliari, where Luna Rossa's senior crew claimed victory ahead of Emirates Team New Zealand, the AC40 fleet will return to racing in one of the Mediterranean's most recognizable settings.
With Mount Vesuvius overlooking the racecourse and the Naples waterfront providing a spectacular backdrop, the event promises three days of high-speed competition.
Six international teams and nine boats are expected to participate, offering spectators an early opportunity to see the competitors preparing for the next America’s Cup.
Luna Rossa Returns to Racing on Italian Waters
Much of the attention will focus on Luna Rossa, which enters the Naples event following its success in Sardinia.
The Italian challenger will field two crews, as will Emirates Team New Zealand and Britain's GB1.
The fleet will also welcome Team Australia and American Racing, while France's La Roche-Posay and Switzerland's Tudor Alinghi will compete with one boat each.
The inclusion of senior sailors alongside youth and women's crews will provide valuable racing experience across different generations of athletes.
For Luna Rossa, the Naples regatta will offer another opportunity to develop teamwork, test tactical decisions and gain competitive experience ahead of the 2027 campaign.
Eight Fleet Races and a Final Match Race
The competition will feature eight fleet races over three days.
All teams will compete aboard AC40 one-design foiling yachts, placing particular emphasis on crew coordination, tactical choices and boat handling.
Following the eight races, the two highest-scoring boats will advance to the final.
The event winner will then be decided through a head-to-head match race, creating an exciting conclusion to the Naples preliminary regatta.
FAQ
Is this official event information?
No. AC Naples 2027 is an independent visitor guide. Official information should be checked on official America's Cup channels.
