The 38th edition of the America’s Cup is officially heading to Italy, with Naples confirmed as the host city for the prestigious sailing event in the spring and summer of 2027.

Defending champions Team New Zealand made the announcement on the morning of Thursday, 15th May 2025, confirming that the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will be held in Naples – marking the first time the event will take place on Italian waters.

While Italy has long played a central role in the modern era of the America’s Cup – largely through the passionate and consistent participation of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli – this will be the nation's debut as host of the sport’s most coveted trophy.

The decision presents Luna Rossa and its supporters with the rare opportunity of a ‘home advantage’, even though only the Cup holder traditionally earns the right to host the next edition.

Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton explained that the choice followed a “very efficient venue selection process”, with former host cities Barcelona and Valencia in Spain, as well as Auckland in New Zealand, unable to commit the necessary financial support for AC38.

While the move is unlikely to ease the disappointment in some parts of New Zealand – particularly given the Cup has only once been contested on home soil in the last three occasions the Kiwis have won it – the broader sailing community is likely to welcome the decision, especially amid concerns the event could have been sold to the highest bidder and held at an unsuitable location.

“I couldn’t be more excited to announce Naples, Italy, as the Host Venue of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup,” said Dalton. “There is a raw spirit and absolute pride in Italy that makes it the perfect setting for the next Cup.

“Bringing the America’s Cup to Italy feels like bringing it to the people. We aim to expand the audience for both the event and the sport of sailing. Italians are among the most passionate and engaged America’s Cup supporters, and of course it is the home of Luna Rossa – a formidable team and fierce competitor. From the Defender’s perspective, it certainly feels like entering the lion’s den competitively, but from an event perspective, Naples is the ideal host.”

Italy’s America’s Cup Legacy

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli has long been a major presence in the competition. They reached the final of the 37th Louis Vuitton Challenger Series – where they were ultimately defeated by INEOS Britannia – and previously won the Challenger Series in 2021, going on to face Team New Zealand in the AC36 Cup Match.

Notably, the Italian team also clinched victory in both the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup competitions in Barcelona last summer – an achievement that adds further intrigue ahead of 2027.

Commodore David Blakey of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron confirmed that both the Women’s and Youth regattas would return for AC38, stating: “Italy promises to be a spectacular setting for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, as well as the Youth and Women’s regattas.”

Naples previously hosted America’s Cup World Series events in 2012 and 2013. Its successful bid this time around includes ambitious plans to use the competition as a catalyst for urban regeneration.

Andrea Abodi, Italy’s Minister for Sport and Youth, highlighted the broader vision: “Hosting the America’s Cup in Naples represents a strategic opportunity to accelerate the environmental rehabilitation and urban renewal programme of Bagnoli, the area designated for the teams’ bases.”

Racing is set to take place in the Gulf of Naples, between Castel dell’Ovo and Posillipo, providing a dramatic and iconic backdrop for one of sport’s most historic trophies.