Cagliari will be the first stage of the world sailing spectacle: from May 21 to 24, 2026, the city will host the long-awaited preliminary regatta of the 38th Louis Vuitton America's Cup . This is the first time since Barcelona 2024 that the teams competing for the oldest trophy in international sport, the America's Cup, have gathered together for a long weekend of racing.
The schedule – Four days of high-intensity racing are planned, with intense and spectacular fleet races culminating in a one-off match race between the top two teams. The schedule includes four races on Friday, May 22nd, four more on Saturday, the 23rd, and three on Sunday, the 24th, before the grand finale.
" Each team in the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup ," as stated in the official press release, " will be able to field two AC40s : one boat with the main crew and a second crewed by a combination of Youth and Women sailors from their respective teams. The spotlight will be on the Youth and Women crews' ability to surprise and outperform the main teams." On the water, the AC40s will compete in a one-design configuration, ensuring competition based solely on sailor skill.
The race – " The races will take place on two alternative racecourses, each approximately 2 kilometers apart, located near the coast: this choice will make it possible to follow the races from the seafront and the headlands, with views accessible to all. A Race Village will be set up on land with a main stage, large screens, and exhibition areas. The "AC Viewing Promenade" will extend from the city and along the entire waterfront to the Lazzaretto di Cagliari, with views of the racecourse and a large screen. The teams will begin arriving in Cagliari on May 5th to set up their operational bases. Fans will be able to see the first AC40s in the water from Saturday May 16th to Wednesday May 20th, a period dedicated to unofficial training.
The event's opening press conference will be held on Thursday, May 21st, followed by a day of official sea trials with non-ranking races and practice sessions. In the evening, the Race Village will open, with the official presentation of the teams on the main stage and a welcome address from Sardinia Region authorities to visitors and enthusiasts.
