For the first time in the 170-year history of the tournament, the America’s Cup is set to be held in Italy. The city of Naples, with its iconic gulf and deep-rooted seafaring culture, will host the 38th edition of the world’s most prestigious sailing competition.
Defending champions New Zealand, winners of the last three editions, chose the European city after earning the right to pick the venue.
New Zealand retained the title last October in Barcelona, beating Ineos Britannia, skippered by Ben Ainslie, to win their own fifth America’s Cup title overall.
The competition will take place in Bagnoli, a neighbourhood in western Naples, providing a major economic opportunity in Italy’s main southern city.
The confirmation came from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni herself. “The choice of Italy makes us proud, because it is a recognition of the very identity of our nation. Without the sea, in fact, we would not be what we are,” Meloni said in a statement.
Naples mayor Gaetano Manfredi said hosting the America’s Cup represented a huge win for his city.
“We have worked hard on the dossier in recent months together with the government, winning the competition with other cities and achieving an extraordinary success that will produce an enormous economic impact on the territory,” Manfredi said.
The 2027 America’s Cup will take place in the spring and summer.
“There is a raw spirit and absolute pride in Italy that seems so appropriate to have the next America’s Cup here,” Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton added.
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“By bringing the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup to this country, it feels like we are bringing it to the people, in our ambition to continually grow the audience of the America’s Cup and sport of sailing.
“Italians are the most passionate and engaged America’s Cup audience and obviously it is the home of Luna Rossa who are such an amazing team and strong competitor.”
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The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest international sports trophy dating back to 1851 when the schooner America bested the Royal Yacht Squadron around the Isle of Wight. Only four countries have won it, including the Australians and Swiss.
New Zealand is guaranteed a spot in the 2027 final as the defender, while challengers will compete to emerge as the other finalist.
