Set against the ornate backdrop of the Casino del Bel Respiro in Rome’s Villa Pamphilj, the official presentation of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup had all the hallmarks of a major national occasion. Italian government officials, Cup stakeholders, and international media gathered to mark the first time the event will be hosted on Italian waters—and in true Cup fashion, the message was as much about legacy as it was about racing.
Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi led proceedings on behalf of the Italian government, while the Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, welcomed the decision by Emirates Team New Zealand to stage the 2027 edition of the Cup in his city.
“Today is a truly special day,” said Manfredi. “New Zealand’s choice to defend the America’s Cup in Naples is a great privilege and a major opportunity for our city.”
Naples, with its deep-rooted maritime history and close connection to sailing, is no stranger to hosting world-class regattas. It staged rounds of the America’s Cup World Series in 2012 and 2013 and has long been considered one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic coastal cities.
The redevelopment of the Bagnoli district—where the Cup team bases will be located—was a central theme of the presentation. Once an industrial area, Bagnoli is now the focus of major urban regeneration. “We are transforming Bagnoli into a beautiful place,” Manfredi said. "Building Naples’s tomorrow.”
For Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Events and Emirates Team New Zealand, Naples represents more than just a scenic race venue. “Naples is passion, Naples is history,” he said. “It’s an honour to bring the America’s Cup here. The event has the power to be a catalyst for positive change, as we’ve seen in previous cycles.”
Dalton also acknowledged Italy’s long-standing contribution to Cup history, noting that 25% of the media consumption during the most recent event came from Italy. He went on to list the twelve Italian challenges that have competed for the Cup since Azzurra’s debut in 1983, including Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, who are again expected to play a central role in the 38th edition.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also addressed the gathering, describing the America’s Cup and Louis Vuitton Cup as “a global symbols of sporting passion and excellence of innovation.” She outlined the government's ambition to align the event with educational and community initiatives, particularly in STEM learning and youth sailing engagement.
To close the proceedings, Meloni was presented with a model of Taihoro—the AC75 raced to victory by Emirates Team New Zealand in 2024.
With the countdown to 2027 now underway, Italy’s focus is on preparation. But if the message from Rome is anything to go by, Naples isn’t just hosting the next America’s Cup—it’s aiming to make it one to remember. And with such high level government support it seems likely we can expect AC38 to be just that.
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