With the Naples sailing event approaching, anticipation is also building within American Racing Challenger Team USA. CEO Ken Read has outlined the ambitions and long-term vision of the American campaign, describing the America’s Cup challenge as a project designed to grow over time. Attention is now focused on the preliminary regatta scheduled to take place in Naples from September 24 to 27, an important first competitive test for the new US team
Update
America’s Cup: Ken Read looks to Naples and the future as Team USA begins its journey
With the Naples sailing event approaching, anticipation is also building within American Racing Challenger Team USA. CEO Ken Read has outlined the ambitions and long-term vision of the American campaign, describing the America’s Cup challenge as a project designed to grow over time.
Attention is now focused on the preliminary regatta scheduled to take place in Naples from September 24 to 27, an important first competitive test for the new US team.
Naples and the transformation of Bagnoli
For Read, the impact of the America’s Cup can extend well beyond racing.
The American sailing executive has highlighted the work currently taking place in Bagnoli, an area undergoing significant redevelopment ahead of the event.
Previous editions of the America’s Cup have shown how a major international sporting competition can contribute to the regeneration and promotion of its host communities.
From this perspective, Naples and Italy could be among the major beneficiaries of the project, particularly through the redevelopment taking place in the western part of the city.
Bringing sailing to younger generations
American Racing’s mission is not focused exclusively on results on the water.
One of the team’s main objectives is to introduce sailing to a broader audience, with particular attention to young people and future generations.
The Naples event will also represent an important milestone for the American campaign, as it will be the new team’s first real racing experience.
The preliminary regatta will therefore provide an opportunity not only to assess performance on the water, but also to understand how the entire organisation operates under competitive conditions.
A long-term challenge with the America’s Cup as the ultimate goal
The US campaign begins with the awareness that there is still a great deal to learn, but without hiding its competitive ambitions.
Read has made it clear that the desire to compete for victory is an essential part of the project. At the same time, the American challenge is not being built around a single race or a single edition of the competition.
American Racing Challenger Team USA is developing a long-term programme, aimed at gaining experience, strengthening the organisation and attracting a wider audience to the sport of sailing.
Naples will therefore mark the opening chapter of this new American adventure. From September 24 to 27, the waters of the Gulf of Naples will give the team its first opportunity to race and begin its competitive journey towards the 38th America’s Cup.
For Ken Read, winning the America’s Cup remains the ultimate ambition. But as the Naples event approaches, the broader message is equally significant: for Team USA, this journey is only beginning.
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.
