Naples, Barcelona’s successor to host America’s Cup

The Government of Italy, in conjunction with Team New Zealand and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, are pleased to announce Italy as the Host Country and Naples as the Host City for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup to be held in the spring and summer of 2027.

For the first time ever the Louis Vuitton Cup and Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Match will be sailed in Italy, a country with one of the most colourful and enthusiastic America’s Cup histories.

In 2027, the world will look to Italy and specifically to Naples, the capital of the Campania region in Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most ancient cities in Europe, as it becomes the Host City for the world’s oldest international sports trophy.

The fight for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will take place under the watchful shadow of Mt Vesuvius and just off the waterfront of the vibrant city. With a proud heritage and rich history, Italy and Naples offer the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup an unparalleled experience that one way or another is certain to add to the myth, obsession, rivalry and innovation of the America’s Cup.

Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth for Italy has played a key role in the bid process and is delighted for the announcement of the President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni about Italy as the Host Country for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup.

"The choice of Italy, and Naples in particular, as venue of the 38th edition of the America’s Cup represents a tremendous opportunity for the entire country to enhance the value of its territory, to boost tourism, and to promote sports. Our commitment will be also to promote initiatives, projects and measures for sea education and economy.” declared Abodi.

Minister Giorgetti, Minister of Economy and Finance, added his support to this important announcement:

"We are proud to announce that the 38th America's Cup will be held in Bagnoli, Naples. This prestigious sporting event marks a significant step in the revitalisation of an area that has long faced challenges and to whose development and growth we remain firmly committed."

Gaetano Manfredi, Mayor of Naples and Government Special Commissioner for Bagnoli has stated: "Hosting the 38th America's Cup in Naples represents an extraordinary international showcase for the beauty and history of our territory. 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.."

America’s Cup Defender Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton is delighted to announce Naples, Italy as the Host Venue after a very efficient venue selection process.

Naples has played host to America’s Cup action in 2012 & 2013 in the lead up to the 34th America’s Cup, hosting two America’s Cup World Series events which local event officials estimated more than one million people turned up to watch the racing from the Naples waterfront over the week-long event.

The bid for Naples, Italy bought a clear ambition to leverage the America’s Cup as a means to modernise the city’s infrastructure while honouring its history and providing the spectacle of AC75 America’s Cup racing for the people of Italy.

As current holder and Trustee of the America’s Cup, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is looking forward to Naples, Italy being a vibrant catalyst for the continued growth of the America’s Cup. “Italy has long been one of Team New Zealand’s fiercest and most passionate rivals in the America’s Cup, and we are thrilled to see Naples, Italy named as the Host Venue for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Match,” said Commodore David Blakey of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

Further details on the planning of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will be announced in due course.