Sport
Italy Will Host the 38th Edition of the America’s Cup in 2027
In 2027, the eyes of the world will be on Italy, and more specifically on Naples, the capital of the Campania region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest cities in Europe, which will become the host city for the oldest international sporting trophy in the world. Italy has one of the richest nautical histories, which will showcase its expertise in this field.
According to the organisers, Italy's Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, played a key role in the bidding process. He commented on the announcement of the award: "The arrival of the 38th edition of the
America's Cup represents an extraordinary opportunity for the whole nation to promote, develop and grow the area that will host the events. (...) The awarding of this edition of the world's most important sailing competition has been a wonderful victory for the entire team, whom I would like to thank, as well as President Meloni, who once again played a decisive role in recognising from the outset the strategic importance of bringing such a major international event to Italy in terms of sport, tourism and industry."
This will not be the first major competition for the city of Naples, which already hosted America's Cup events in 2012 and 2013 with two America's Cup World Series races. Other cities were, of course, in the running to win the privilege of hosting the foiling monohulls. Valencia, Spain, was one of the names mentioned for its proven expertise in organising the competition in 2007 and 2010. The Middle East was also mentioned, as was Brazil. But the 38th
America's Cup Louis Vuitton will have an Italian flavour, with Luna Rossa aiming for the cup.
Grant Dalton, CEO of Defender of the America's Cup Team New Zealand, also commented: "I couldn't be more excited to announce that Naples will be the venue for the 38th Louis Vuitton America's Cup. There is a real spirit and absolute pride in Italy that makes this country the perfect choice to host the next America's Cup. It's as if we are bringing the Louis Vuitton America's Cup closer to the public, as part of our ambition to continue developing the cup and the sport of sailing. The Italians are the most passionate and involved audience of the America's Cup, and it is, of course, the home of Luna Rossa, an extraordinary team and a formidable competitor."
Further details on the planning and organisation of the 38th Louis Vuitton America's Cup will be announced later, according to the organisation.
To date, two teams have already confirmed their participation: the Defender, winner of the 37th America's Cup, Team New Zealand, and the Royal Yacht Squadron, via its Athena Racing team led by Sir Ben Ainslie, officially the Challenger of Record for the 2027 edition.