The vision for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples in 2027 was unveiled at the 65th International Boat Show in Genoa on Saturday (20th September).
The video presentation showcased the scale of the ambition for holding the America’s Cup regatta in the historic city of Naples. Naples was announced as the host city earlier this year, and new regulations unveiled in August 2025 are said to have created seismic changes in the world-famous racing event.
Grant Dalton, CEO of The Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, together with representatives from Sport e Salute, the publicly-owned Italian company responsible for promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle across the nation, unveiled the vision for the next America’s Cup.
The plans for the host city of Naples include the bold, ambitious regeneration of the Bagnoli waterfront, which will house all of the America’s Cup teams.
Bagnoli, the western seaside quarter of Naples is set for a remarkable transformation that will convert the former industrial area into the epicentre of the action for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples.
The promotional video showcases plans for a world-class technical facility for the AC75 yachts and a dedicated women & youth base for the AC40 yachts to launch from, alongside a new superyacht marina, public viewing areas, media and broadcast centres, a volunteer facility plus the headquarters of the America’s Cup Event (ACE) organisers.
The Bagnoli area will also feature an AC Tech fan village with interactive areas, large jumbotron screens to watch the racing and pre-event feature shows, plus a wealth of dining and retail options.
The Bagnoli Marina and superyacht facility will be protected by an extended stone breakwater and is a short distance from the dedicated race course set in the Bay of Naples.
Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples partners with the Italian Marine Industry Association
Organiser of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples, ACE, also announced a strategic agreement with the Italian Marine Industry Association, Confindustria Nautica, at Genoa International Boat Show.
The ageement sees Confindustria Nautica becomes the ‘strategic marine industry advisory partner’ to the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, supporting ACE in identifying and facilitating opportunities within the Italian supply chain.
Confindustria Nautica will provide expertise and in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the Italian yachting market, supporting ACE in establishing the most effective relationships with relevant stakeholders, institutions, and businesses, in order to ensure the successful organisation of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples.
Specifically, Confindustria Nautica will support ACE in identifying opportunities for industrial, commercial, and technical collaboration with leading Italian operators in the marine industry and will act directly or through its fully owned subsidiary, ‘I Saloni Nautici Srl.’
Based in Genoa and Rome, the Italian Marine Industry Association is a national non-profit association and has been representing the interests of the recreational boating industry since 1967.
Piero Formenti, president of the Italian Marine Industry Association, adds: “Having the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples in 2027 is a significant moment for the whole of Italy as well as a huge opportunity to showcase the ‘Made in Italy’ brand and what our highly professional and innovative industry has to offer. This is a unique opportunity and we cannot wait to work closely with ACE, as part of our new partnership agreement, to ensure the best possible results for all parties involved and a highly successful event in Naples in 2027.”
Marco Monsurrò, vice President of the Italian Marine Industry Association, adds: “For Southern Italy, this partnership is more than an institutional recognition: it is a key strategic opportunity. Hosting the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples connects our territory to the most prestigious sailing event in the world and allows our companies to compete on an international stage. By leveraging the advantages of special economic zones (SEZs) and the extraordinary potential of our coastal regions, we can turn this event into a platform for long-term growth and global visibility. The legacy we intend to build is not only about the 2027 edition, but also about the future of the southern nautical industry and Italy’s role on the international stage.”
Grant Dalton, CEO of Defender Emirates Team New Zealand, says: “Preparation for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples in 2027 is quickly ramping up and we have been delighted with the responses and approaches from the Italian boating community, with many companies keen to be involved in the event. By working closely with the Italian Marine Industry Association, ACE is tapping into their vast resources and experience, and from an events perspective we look forward to working together with the association.”
America’s Cup race village in Naples
Plans for the America’s Cup race village have also been unveiled. Located along the seafront of downtown Naples, the event organisers anticipate a fan engagement level unseen before in the 174-year history of the competition.
According to ACE, the waterfront Viale Francesco Caracciolo will be transformed into the ultimate race village, making use of all the promontories and unique features of the area to create grandstand viewing opportunities, along with the official main stage for sailor and trophy presentations.
When the America’s Cup World Series came to Naples in 2012 and 2013 for two pre-regattas ahead of the 34th America’s Cup that was held in San Francisco, it was estimated that some one million people witnessed the racing at each regatta. For the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, those numbers are expected to be far exceeded as America’s Cup-fever sweeps through Naples, Italy and beyond.
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