America’s Cup, Ken Read Looks Ahead to Naples: Team USA Begins a Long-Term Challenge

America’s Cup, Ken Read Looks Ahead to Naples: Team USA Begins a Long-Term Challenge

**NAPLES –** The Gulf of Naples is preparing to welcome another major chapter in the road towards the America’s Cup, and one of the teams attracting particular attention is **American Racing Challenger Team USA**.

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With the Preliminary Regatta scheduled to take place in Naples **from September 24 to 27, 2026**, team CEO **Ken Read** has outlined the ambitions and philosophy behind the new American campaign.

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For the US challenger, Naples will represent much more than another sailing event. It will be one of the first major competitive tests for a programme designed to grow over the long term, with the ultimate ambition of becoming a serious contender for sailing’s most prestigious trophy.

# Naples and Bagnoli: an opportunity beyond sailing

Read has also highlighted the wider impact the America’s Cup can have on its host cities, with particular attention being paid to the redevelopment taking place in **Bagnoli**.

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Major international sailing events have previously played a role in transforming waterfront areas and generating new opportunities for local communities. From the American team’s perspective, Naples could experience similar benefits.

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The event therefore has significance that extends well beyond the racing itself. Tourism, international visibility and the redevelopment of the city’s western waterfront could all form part of the legacy created by the America’s Cup project.

# Bringing sailing to a new generation

Another important element of the American campaign is its ambition to introduce sailing to a broader audience.

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American Racing wants to connect with people who may not traditionally follow the sport, with a particular focus on younger generations. Expanding the reach of sailing is regarded as a central part of the team’s long-term identity.

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At the same time, the Naples regatta will provide an important learning opportunity.

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The American campaign is still at an early stage of its competitive development, meaning every day on the water will provide valuable information about the sailors, technical operations and overall organisation of the team.

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That learning process, however, does not reduce the competitive ambition behind the project. Team USA is entering the competition with the intention of challenging its rivals and developing into a programme capable of fighting at the highest level.

# The America’s Cup remains the ultimate goal

The long-term objective is clear: to build a team capable of challenging for and ultimately winning the **America’s Cup**.

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But the American programme is not being developed around a single event or a short-term result. Its strategy is based on creating a strong organisation, accumulating experience and developing the sporting and technical foundations required to compete consistently against the world’s leading teams.

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Naples therefore represents an important first step in a much longer journey.

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For Ken Read and American Racing Challenger Team USA, the races in the Gulf will provide an opportunity to measure their progress against international competition while continuing to develop the team behind the scenes.

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From **September 24 to 27**, the waters of Naples will offer the first major indication of how far the American project has already progressed.

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For Team USA, however, this is only the beginning.

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**The ambition is unmistakable: build a programme capable of lasting for years, continue improving race after race and eventually turn the dream of winning the America’s Cup into reality.**

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