The special bond between sailing and Sardinia The first ever Italian America's Cup will start from Cagliari

Sea, wind, sails and the oldest sporting trophy in the world. On the horizon, two iconic Italian gulfs — Naples and Cagliari — poised to become the global center of sailing. In 2027, for the first time ever, the America’s Cup will land in Italy, carrying everything that makes it unique: a blend of tradition and innovation, timeless ritual and cutting‑edge performance, local identity and global audience — a mix of technology, aesthetics, performance, and competition that, after a century and a half, makes it truly unparalleled in sport.

In summer 2027 all of this will culminate in the waters off the Gulf of Naples, host of the 38th Louis Vuitton America’s Cup. And while the clock is set for the most anticipated part of the event — beginning on July 10th of next year — the Cup’s journey across Italy will start much earlier, and elsewhere. In the Gulf of Angels at Cagliari, from 21st to 24th May, the first preliminary regatta of the new cycle will take place, marking the official opening of the Road to Naples and transforming plans on paper into real competitive action.

The history of sailing in Sardinia

The Preliminary Regatta in Cagliari is far more than an opening event. It’s both a first look at how teams stack up ahead of 2027 and a stress test for a system that hopes to support larger‑scale competition in the future. Sardinia’s rise in international sailing isn’t new — it has long been considered a natural venue — but this moment represents a decisive step. The island has twice almost hosted major events that slipped away due to the pandemic and later organizational changes.

The Preliminary Regatta is therefore a major turning point. Past disappointments helped build anticipation — and Sardinia’s reputation as a premier sailing destination, thanks to its deep maritime tradition and excellent wind and sea conditions. “Our biggest allies? Aeolus and Neptune — and we’re thinking of putting them on contract,” joked Cagliari’s mayor, Massimo Zedda, referencing the frequent winds here. “Where others suffer calm, nature gives us incredible conditions. That’s our ace in the hole to become a world sailing capital.”

For the May event, the Region of Sardinia has invested €7 million, with officials estimating a direct economic return close to €50 million. Infrastructure upgrades, temporary facilities, and a comprehensive organizational effort all reflect a broad ambition: to use the America’s Cup 2027 as a lever for global positioning — perhaps even for future bids like the 2040 Olympic Games.

The rules of Preliminary Regatta

In the Gulf of Angels, high‑performance AC40 boats — faster, one‑design foiling yachts — and their crews will race in a series of fleet races leading to a final between the top two. Though part of the America’s Cup circuit, this format does not affect the 2027 event standings; rather, it maps out early dynamics and atmosphere. Teams confirmed for this regatta include defending champions Emirates Team New Zealand, Italy’s own Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, Britain’s Athena Racing, France’s K‑Challenge and Switzerland’s Alinghi Red Bull Racing, each allowed to enter two AC40s including boats for youth and female sailors.

Alongside the sport itself is the broader spectacle the America’s Cup has become: the Road to Naples is not just a preview but a narrative arc. Fan zones, “Race Village” areas, broadcast screens and hospitality spaces will bring the event to life onshore and engage visitors and locals alike.

At the same time, public debate has emerged — as happens with major events — on funding, timelines, public space use and infrastructure readiness. Critics have voiced concern about preparation and logistics, while Mayor Zedda responded that weather‑related delays — particularly damage from Cyclone Harry along the coast — caused some setbacks, and reaffirmed that long‑term use of newly revitalized areas will be a priority after the event.

The reason why Luna Rossa calls Sardinia home

If Cagliari is the first stop on the Road to Naples, for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli it’s a homecoming of sorts. The team has established Sardinia as a central base, using the waters of the Gulf of Angels for development and testing over recent campaigns. “We’re the hosts, proud and honored that the first event of the America’s Cup will be in Sardinia,” said skipper and team director Max Sirena. “Racing here is a great responsibility and added motivation to do well.”

Beyond competition, the presence of Luna Rossa has drawn global attention and investment, helping position Sardinia as an emerging hub in the sailing world. This stage — from red‑haired sails in the Gulf of Angels to the historic waters of Naples — tells the story not just of a race, but of a country weaving sport, culture and place into a singular trajectory.