A historic first for the America's Cup in Italy
Never before has the Louis Vuitton America's Cup been held on the Italian coast. The official announcement of Naples as host marks a turning point for the oldest international sporting competition, until now mainly associated with Anglo-Saxon or New Zealand strongholds. In choosing Naples, the organizers are banking on a passionate public and a city steeped in maritime history.
Bagnoli, technical site and symbol of rehabilitation
The logistical infrastructure for the 38th America's Cup will be concentrated in the Bagnoli area, a former industrial site undergoing conversion. Team bases will be set up here. The choice of this area reflects a strong political will: to use a major nautical event to drive a large-scale urban project, integrating environmental rehabilitation, economic development and job creation in the maritime sector.
Spectacular regatta zones in the heart of the city
The races will take place between Castel dell'Ovo and Posillipo, in the Gulf of Naples. This protected stretch of water, easily visible from the coast, offers favorable conditions for the AC75s, these hydrofoil monohulls with their spectacular behavior. The urban setting is also highly accessible to the public, recalling the previous popular successes of the America's Cup World Series in 2012 and 2013.
Logistical and technical challenges
The organization of the event involves a major mobilization in terms of port logistics, securing the stretch of water and setting up temporary infrastructures for the teams. The Italian government, through Sport e Salute, will coordinate operations with Defender Team New Zealand and the local authorities. The challenge: to guarantee compliance with America's Cup technical standards, while respecting the constraints of a site undergoing transformation.
Expected impact on the Italian nautical industry
Hosting the 38th edition in Naples is an international showcase for the Italian yachting industry, particularly for shipyards, equipment manufacturers and port service providers. The event could also raise the profile of Luna Rossa, the Cup's historic challenger. Public investment is aimed at structuring a sustainable ecosystem around maritime and yachting activities, with expected effects on tourism, training and innovation.
The awarding of the America's Cup to Naples is more than just a sporting choice. It's part of a broader strategy to reclaim the city, enhance its coastline and raise its international profile. With two years to go before the event, eyes are already turning to the quays of Bagnoli and the waters of the gulf, future witnesses to a regatta that goes beyond racing to become a permanent fixture on the Italian nautical landscape.
