It's now official: from 21 to 24 May Cagliari and its Gulf will officially launch Luna Rossa's adventure in the 38th America's Cup , the oldest sporting trophy in the world, which will culminate with the Louis Vuitton Cup regattas next spring in Naples.
Five teams have registered so far, each competing with two AC40 one-design foiling boats, one of which is dedicated to crews of women and young sailors. In addition to Luna Rossa, the defending champions New Zealand, Alinghi (Switzerland), Athena (Great Britain), and K-Challenge (France) will compete.
" We are proud not only to be able to host the America's Cup in Italy, in Naples, but also that the journey will begin in May in the waters of Cagliari , an unexpected choice that repays us for the great commitment we have made ," said the Minister of Sport, Andrea Abodi, this morning in Cagliari.
Cagliari is an iconic location for the sailing movement, the home of Luna Rossa. This choice confirms the recognition of Italy's sailing tradition and offers the opportunity to promote and further grow appreciation for this fascinating sport, inspiring new generations as well as further boosting tourism in this wonderful region . Italy will once again be at the center of the world, a leading player through sport and international events.
In the first days of competition, starting May 21st, the five teams registered so far will compete in a series of fleet races , at the end of which the top two in the rankings will compete in the single final that will determine the winner.
Right in the Gulf of Angels, therefore, the first real opportunity for the competing boats to compare and evaluate their performance in view of the 2027 Louis Vuitton Cup.
"It was a near miracle not only to have brought her to Cagliari but also to have kept the news secret for eight months of truly complex negotiations."
Tourism Councilor Franco Cuccureddu and Regional President Alessandra Todde celebrate shortly before the press conference to officially announce that the first preliminary regatta of the 38th America's Cup, which will award the title to Naples in July 2027, will be held in Sardinia.
For Todde, it's proof that Sardinia can be "a leading player in the world of sport." It will be "an exceptional showcase that will place Sardinia in an international context, one of the most important. We can compete in this type of competition, and we can do it with our heads held high: this is an opportunity to tell the whole world."