Sardinia will open the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta programme of events, with the main event taking place in Naples between May and July 2027.
The first Preliminary Regatta will take place in the Gulf of Angels, in the waters in front of the Port of Cagliari, the home of Luna Rossa, from 21 to 24 May 2026. Five teams are currently entered, each competing with up to two one-design foiling AC40 yachts, one of which will be dedicated to crews made up of Women and Youth America’s Cup sailors.
During the first days, the teams will compete in a series of fleet races, after which the top two in the standings will face each other in a winner-takes-all final that will determine the overall Preliminary Regatta winner. For all the teams competing in the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, the Sardinian event will be the first real opportunity to go head-to-head, assess performance and observe different racing tactics.
Regional Tourism Councillor of the Region of Sardinia Franco Cuccureddu said: “Sardinia, by its very insular nature, has a deep bond with sailing and it is certainly no coincidence that the first Italian challenge for the America’s Cup was born in Sardinia with Azzurra, or that our island hosts some of the major sailing events including several world championship events. Nor is it accidental that Luna Rossa chose Cagliari as its base, or that Olympic iQFOiL gold medallist Marta Maggetti grew up racing in these waters.”
Leslie Ryan, Event Director said: “Planning is already well advanced here in Cagliari, Sardinia to deliver a spectacular event this coming May. With a racecourse in the Bay of Angels visible from the land for spectators, a central Race Village packed with content and large screens that will be set up along the port accessible to all, an action packed four-day programme is promised.”
