In the grand hall of the Palazzo Reale in Naples, before the key governmental and regional architects of bringing the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup to Italy, the America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) was unveiled alongside the founding teams who will not only constitute the ACP, but also contest the world’s oldest international sporting contest.
In addition, the dates of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Match in Naples were confirmed with Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand announcing that the Match would start with two opening races on Saturday 10 July 2027 and run to a conclusion by the weekend of the 17 and 18 July 2027.
Delegates at the Palazzo Reale enjoyed a wide-ranging presentation that focussed primarily on the ‘Road to Naples’ as well as the considerable sporting challenge before them. Representatives of the five teams currently entered to compete for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup — Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), GB1 (GBR), Luna Rossa (ITA), Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI), and K-Challenge (FRA) — were presented, before the official announcement of Louis Vuitton’s sponsorship and commitment to the America’s Cup was confirmed by Pietro Beccari, Chief Executive Officer of Louis Vuitton.
Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi said: “Today, another step forward was taken with the launch of the America’s Cup Partnership, which continues and strengthens the path toward Naples 2027. This collaboration represents a bridge between the tradition and innovation of the world’s oldest sailing competition, propelling it toward a new phase of growth, modernisation, and greater global visibility. We are particularly proud that the change in the organisational model, aimed at leveraging television rights and amplifying the event’s media reach, is taking shape with the Italian edition. This is a significant added value that places Italy at the centre of the international stage, within one of the most fascinating and coveted competitions in the world.”
The Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, confirmed that the city is preparing to host this major event, stating: “As the Host City of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, we are delighted to be already at an advanced stage of preparations for the ‘Road to Naples 2027.’ We look forward to promoting our extraordinary seaside city as a premier destination and showcasing the incomparable Gulf of Naples as a world-class sailing venue.”
Marco Mezzaroma, President of Sport e Salute (Sport & Health), further added: “With the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in 2027, Naples and Italy are preparing to write a historic chapter. With the announcement of the dates, the countdown has officially begun. It will be much more than a regatta: a collective challenge, a shared vision, and a clear message to the future of our country.”
“The presentation of the teams taking part in this extraordinary event marks the beginning of a journey that brings together sport, place, industry, and culture, with a firm focus on the future. Hosting the America’s Cup in Naples is first and foremost a major opportunity for urban regeneration. It is also an international showcase for Made in Italy, where technology, design, shipbuilding, research, and sustainability come together in sailing as a perfect synthesis.”
“Italy is once again strongly asserting its natural role in the Mediterranean: a crossroads of cultures, innovation, and maritime tradition. Hosting the America’s Cup means bringing the Mediterranean back to the centre of world-class sailing, enhancing Naples as a symbolic port city and strengthening Italy’s leadership in the Mediterranean space.”
“In this context, Sport e Salute plays a strategic role in ensuring that the America’s Cup is not only a great sporting event, but a system-wide project capable of generating widespread value. This is achieved through the promotion of sport, inclusion, and well-being, strengthening the connection between the event and the territory, encouraging citizen participation, and promoting access to sport both as a right and as an opportunity for qualified employment for all.”
“This event reinforces Italy’s central role in yachting and in the Mediterranean, placing Naples, its sea, and the entire blue economy at the forefront, with tangible benefits for tourism, employment, education, and development. The legacy the America’s Cup will leave to the territory is therefore fundamental: not only a global event, but a structured project capable of generating lasting value, infrastructure, skills, and new opportunities, especially for young people.”
The audience were treated to a powerful cultural welcome led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the Auckland-based Māori iwi (indigenous tribe) from Auckland New Zealand, representing the current Defender, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Emirates Team New Zealand.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei culturally recognised the creation of the ACP, and welcomed all teams to the America’s Cup Partnership before presenting Pounamu taonga (Greenstone treasures) to the founding team members on stage. These taonga represent strength, the heritage of the America’s Cup, respect for all teams that have gone before and a connection to an exciting future.
Sir Ben Ainslie, Team Principal of the Challenger of Record GB1, said: “Today marks a defining moment for the America’s Cup. The teams have come together to set a clear line in the sand and begin a new era of strong governance and neutral management, all with the ambition of growing the fanbase and the commercial appeal of the event.”GB1 are already seeing that vision come to life through the strength of our partnerships, including securing significant investment from Oakley Capital and engaging in exciting conversations with major global brands. The America’s Cup is an iconic event, and this new chapter could elevate it into the highest tier of global sport.”
