Naples to Host 2027 America’s Cup

The next America’s Cup will be held off Naples, Italy, in 2027, holder Team New Zealand announced on Thursday.

New Zealand had the right to pick the venue after winning its third straight cup in Barcelona last year. It will be the 38th edition of the world’s most famous regatta.

The cup holder said the races will be staged in the spring and summer of 2027. Naples previously hosted preliminary regattas before the 34th America’s Cup in 2012.

“It is a recognition of the very identity of our nation. Without the sea, in fact, we would not be what we are,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said. “We look forward to welcoming the America’s Cup. Italy will be up to this challenge and will once again demonstrate to the world what it is capable of.”

Italian yachts have reached the final match race three times, most recently Luna Rossa in 2021. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli won the first Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona and its youth team also won the event for young sailors.

“Italians are the most passionate and engaged America’s Cup audience and … Luna Rossa are such an amazing team and strong competitor,” New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Grant Dalton said. “So, from the defender’s position it certainly feels like we are entering the lion’s den competitively, but from an event perspective it feels like the perfect venue.”

The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest international sports trophy. It dates to 1851 when the schooner America bested the Royal Yacht Squadron around the Isle of Wight. Only four countries have won it, including the Australians and Swiss. New Zealand is guaranteed a spot in the 2027 final as the defender, while challengers will compete to see who emerges as the other finalist.

“The choice of Italy and Naples in particular as venue of the 38th edition of the America’s Cup represents a tremendous opportunity for the entire country to enhance the value of its territory, to boost tourism, and to promote sports,” said Andrea Abodi, minister for sport and youth for Italy. “Our commitment will be also to promote initiatives, projects and measures for sea education and economy.”

Dalton took the cup away from Auckland after the local boat hosted the event and successfully defended its title in 2021. He left open the possibility of returning home for the 38th regatta if the money was there, but discarded that option last month after the team failed to secure what it considered sufficient backing from the government.