In a historic milestone for international sailing, the city of Naples is preparing to host the most iconic trophy in the sport. The 38th America’s Cup, officially known as the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, is set to arrive in Italy for the first time, marking a transformative moment for the region’s sporting and maritime landscape.
The upcoming regatta represents more than just a high-stakes competition; it is a multi-year journey that will see the world’s elite sailors converge on Italian waters. The “Road to Naples” begins well ahead of the main event, with the first major competitive milestones scheduled for the waters of Sardinia in the spring of 2026.
As the global sailing community turns its attention to the Mediterranean, the event is being framed as a massive opportunity to showcase the natural beauty and sporting tradition of the Italian coastline. From preliminary regattas to the final match, the scale of the 38th edition promises to be one of the most significant in the modern era of the competition.
The Road to Naples: Sardinia 2026
The buildup to the 2027 championship will officially commence with the Preliminary Regattas. These essential qualifying events are scheduled to take place in Sardinia from 21 to 24 May 2026. These regattas will serve as a critical testing ground for the competing teams as they navigate the complexities of the Louis Vuitton Cup – Challenger Selection Series.
The progression from the Sardinian waters to the final match in Naples is designed to build momentum, allowing teams to refine their technology and tactics in high-pressure environments. This sequence ensures that by the time the main event arrives in southern Italy, the level of competition will be at its absolute peak.
Broadcasting the Action: Sky Italia and NOW
For fans and maritime enthusiasts worldwide, the coverage of this historic event will be extensive. Sky Italia and the streaming platform NOW have secured the rights to broadcast the full spectrum of the America’s Cup events in Italy. The coverage will be comprehensive, spanning from the initial Preliminary Regattas in Sardinia in May 2026 all the way through to the climactic Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Match in 2027.
This broadcasting partnership ensures that the technical precision and high-speed drama of the regattas are accessible to a wide audience. By providing continuous coverage, the broadcasters aim to bring viewers into the heart of the action, highlighting both the innovation of the vessels and the skill of the athletes.
Giuseppe De Bellis, EVP Sport, News and Entertainment at Sky Italia, emphasized the historical weight of the upcoming series. He noted that the America’s Cup is returning to the “Home of Sport” at a time when it makes history by arriving in Naples for the first time. De Bellis highlighted that the event serves as an extraordinary opportunity to showcase the unique beauty of the Gulf of Naples to a global audience, following the excitement of previous editions in 2021 and 2024.
A Multi-Tiered Celebration of Sailing
The 38th America’s Cup is not limited to the primary match between the defender and the challenger. The organizers have structured the 2027 season to include a broader celebration of the sport, fostering talent across different demographics and skill levels.
In June 2027, just prior to the main match, the schedule will feature both the Women’s America’s Cup and the Youth America’s Cup. These events are designed to expand the reach of the competition and provide a platform for the next generation of sailing stars, ensuring the longevity and inclusivity of the sport.
The culmination of this multi-year cycle will be the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Match, which is scheduled to begin on 10 July 2027 in Naples. This final showdown will determine who holds the most prestigious trophy in world sailing.
Event Timeline at a Glance
| Event Phase | Scheduled Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Regattas | 21–24 May 2026 | Sardinia, Italy |
| Women’s America’s Cup | June 2027 | Naples, Italy |
| Youth America’s Cup | June 2027 | Naples, Italy |
| 38th America’s Cup Match | Starting 10 July 2027 | Naples, Italy |
What This Means for Italian Maritime Sport
The arrival of the America’s Cup in Naples is being viewed as a pivotal moment for the region. Beyond the immediate sporting spectacle, the event is expected to drive significant interest in maritime innovation and tourism. The presence of the world’s most advanced sailing technology in the Gulf of Naples provides a unique stage for both athletic excellence and engineering brilliance.
As the “Road to Naples” begins in Sardinia next year, the eyes of the international sporting community will be fixed on Italy, watching to see how this historic regatta unfolds on the global stage.
Next Scheduled Milestone: The Preliminary Regattas in Sardinia, beginning 21 May 2026.
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