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July 25th, 2025 – Eleonora Corradi
Naples chosen to host the 2027 America’s Cup: Italian pride for a world-famous sailing challenge
In 2027, the waters of the Gulf of Naples will become the stage for one of the most prestigious sailing competitions in the world: the America’s Cup. It is the first time that the regatta will be held in Italy, and the news has been warmly received by athletes, enthusiasts, and institutions. Naples, with its unique landscape dominated by Mount Vesuvius, its millennia-old history, and its passion for the sea, is considered an ideal setting for a race that is both spectacular and highly technical.
What is the America’s Cup?
The America’s Cup – often referred to as the “Auld Mug” – is the oldest international sporting competition still held today. Its first edition dates back to 1851, well before the modern Olympic Games. It is a regatta between sailing yachts, in which a “defender” team, the current holder of the trophy, faces a “challenger” selected through a series of preliminary races.
It is not just a sporting challenge, but also a technological one. The boats – now ultra-fast catamarans with foils – are true feats of engineering. The America’s Cup is a proving ground for technological innovation in navigation, team strategy, and the physical endurance of the crews.
The name of the America’s Cup comes from an American boat, the schooner America, which in 1851 won a regatta around the Isle of Wight in England. Since then, the trophy was held for many years by American yacht clubs, especially the prestigious New York Yacht Club, which maintained it for 132 consecutive years, until 1983. Since then, the U.S. presence in the competition has remained strong: several American teams have competed and won, including the well-known Oracle Team USA, which won the cup in 2010 and 2013, thanks also to the support of tech magnate Larry Ellison. This long-standing connection with the United States means that each edition of the America’s Cup is followed with great interest overseas.
Italy and the America’s Cup: a long history of challenges.
Although Italy has never won the America’s Cup, it has managed to stand out several times as a key player. Italian participation began in 1983 with Azzurra, a boat sponsored by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and supported by Gianni Agnelli and Aga Khan. It was a real breakthrough: for the first time, Italy entered the top ranks of international sailing.
In the following years, the most frequently mentioned Italian name in the history of the cup has been Luna Rossa, the Prada-Pirelli team led by Patrizio Bertelli. Since its debut in 2000, Luna Rossa has captivated the Italian public with its bold efforts, reaching the America’s Cup final twice (in 2000 and 2021), but losing both times to the defending New Zealand teams.
Nonetheless, Luna Rossa has won twice in the competition among challengers that determines who will face the titleholder: in 2000 it secured the Louis Vuitton Cup, and in 2021, the Prada Cup. These results have strengthened Italy’s reputation as a rising power in the world of sailing.
Why Naples?
Naples is a city of sea, history, and heart. It is also a place with a long tradition of nautical sports. In recent years, it has hosted international sailing events, attracting thousands of spectators and professionals.
The Gulf of Naples offers ideal conditions for sailing: steady winds, good weather, and a natural landscape that turns every regatta into a visual spectacle. Unsurprisingly, the Neapolitan candidacy won over other international cities thanks to its combination of logistics, beauty, and public engagement.
The city is also well-connected internationally, has modern infrastructure, and has already proven capable of handling major events. Moreover, hosting the America’s Cup represents a unique opportunity to highlight southern Italy, promote the local economy, and strengthen the maritime identity of the city. Coastal neighborhoods will be directly involved, with urban redevelopment projects and cultural initiatives related to the sea and sailing.
An opportunity for all of Italy.
The 2027 America’s Cup will not be just a sporting event: it will be a chance to showcase Italy’s creativity and hospitality. The event will bring investment, visibility, and tourism, but also a renewed sense of national pride. Schools, media, and public institutions will have the opportunity to tell the story of our seas, our navigators, and our passion for challenge. For many foreigners, it will also be a way to get closer to the Italian language and culture through sport and the emotions it creates.
A tricolor sail toward the future.
Naples’ selection marks a new chapter in the long relationship between Italy and the America’s Cup. It is a bet on the future, on technology, and on the talent of our sailors. But it is also a chance to show the world a modern, welcoming, and competitive Italy.
And who knows—maybe 2027 will be the year when the Italian flag finally crosses the finish line as the ultimate winner. Until then, let’s get ready to cheer, learn, and sail together toward a new adventure.
PAROLE DIFFICILI
Sfidante: Chi compete contro il detentore del titolo. The one who competes against the current titleholder.
Nel 2021 Luna Rossa è stata lo sfidante ufficiale contro la Nuova Zelanda.
In 2021, Luna Rossa was the official challenger against New Zealand.
Velista: Persona che pratica la vela. A person who sails or practices sailing.
I velisti italiani si stanno allenando duramente per la competizione del 2027.
Italian sailors are training hard for the 2027 competition.
Equipaggio: Il gruppo di persone che lavora insieme su una barca. The group of people working together on a boat.
L’equipaggio di Luna Rossa è composto da esperti velisti e tecnici di alto livello.
Luna Rossa’s crew is made up of expert sailors and high-level technicians.
Sfida: Situazione difficile che richiede impegno; anche competizione. A difficult situation requiring effort; also a competition.
Ospitare l’America’s Cup è una grande sfida ma anche un’enorme opportunità per Napoli.
Hosting the America’s Cup is a major challenge but also a huge opportunity for Naples.
Aggiudicarsi: Ottenere qualcosa ufficialmente, spesso dopo una selezione o gara. To officially obtain something, often after a selection or competition.
Napoli si è aggiudicata l’organizzazione dell’America’s Cup 2027 superando altre città candidate.
Naples secured the organization of the 2027 America’s Cup, beating out other candidate cities.
Detentore: Chi possiede attualmente qualcosa, come un titolo o un trofeo. The current holder of something, like a title or trophy.
Il team neozelandese era il detentore dell’America’s Cup nel 2021.
The New Zealand team was the holder of the America’s Cup in 2021.
E ORA TOCCA A VOI!
Completare le frasi usando che o cui, preceduto dalla preposizione opportuna. Complete the sentences using che or cui, preceded by the appropriate preposition.
- Il trofeo dell’America’s Cup è un simbolo ______ ogni squadra sogna.
- Napoli è una città ______ il mare ha sempre avuto un ruolo centrale.
- Luna Rossa è il team italiano ______ ha raggiunto la finale nel 2021.
- Il comitato, ______ è stata affidata l’organizzazione dell’evento, è lo stesso dell’edizione precedente.
- Il porto di Napoli, ______ partiranno le imbarcazioni, sarà al centro dell’attenzione internazionale.
- I velisti, ______ l’equipaggio lavora ogni giorno, devono essere altamente qualificati.
- È un’occasione straordinaria per il turismo, i media e l’economia, settori ______ l’evento avrà un forte impatto.
- Gli spettatori, ______ sono stati organizzati percorsi panoramici, potranno seguire la regata dalla costa.
- Il catamarano di Luna Rossa è una macchina perfetta, ______ sono stati investiti milioni di euro.
- L’America’s Cup è una gara impegnativa ______ richiede preparazione tecnica e grande spirito di squadra.
