America's Cup Naples 2027: dates, schedule, race village and how to watch
In 2027 the America's Cup, the oldest trophy in international sport, is raced in Italy for the first time: in the Bay of Naples, right off the seafront. From late May to mid-July the city hosts the challenger selection series and the final Match against the New Zealand defenders. Here is the official schedule, where the racing takes place and how to plan your trip.
At a glance
- Louis Vuitton Cup
- From 22 May to 4 July 2027: the challenger selection series (fleet racing, then one-on-one match races, semi-final and final)
- Youth America's Cup
- 2–6 June 2027
- Women's America's Cup
- 5–9 July 2027
- The Match
- From 10 July 2027, ending 19 July at the latest: the first team to win 7 races takes the Cup
- Where
- In the Bay of Naples, close to the shore between Castel dell'Ovo and Posillipo; team bases in Bagnoli
- Admission
- The event village and the sports village in Bagnoli are free to enter
- Boats
- AC75s, "flying" monohulls on foils, about 23 metres long
What is the America's Cup
It is the oldest sporting trophy still contested: it dates back to 1851. Whoever holds the Cup (the Defender) chooses where to defend it and faces the challenger (the Challenger) who emerges from a selection series among all the other teams. The Defender of this edition, the 38th, is Emirates Team New Zealand, which chose Naples: it is the first time the Cup has been raced in Italy.
The racing is in AC75s, boats around 23 metres long that lift out of the water on their foils and exceed 50 knots (over 90 km/h).
The 2027 schedule
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 22–23 May | opening of the Louis Vuitton Cup with AC75 fleet racing |
| late May – June | Louis Vuitton Cup: one-on-one round robin |
| 2–6 June | Youth America's Cup (young crews) |
| by 4 July | Louis Vuitton Cup semi-final and final: the challenger is decided |
| 5–9 July | Women's America's Cup |
| 10–19 July | America's Cup Match: the Louis Vuitton Cup winner against Emirates Team New Zealand |
The Match ends as soon as one team wins 7 races; with light wind the programme can slip by a few days.
The teams
Alongside the New Zealand defenders, the challengers include Luna Rossa (Italy), Athena Racing (Great Britain, Challenger of Record), Tudor Team Alinghi (Switzerland), La Roche-Posay Racing Team (France) and the new American and Australian teams. The final list is on the official website americascup.com.
In the Naples preliminary regatta in September 2026, sailed in the smaller AC40 boats, Luna Rossa won.
Where the racing is and where the teams are based
- The race course is in the bay, close to the shore, in the stretch between Castel dell'Ovo and Posillipo: that is why you can follow it from land. Read our guide on where to watch the races.
- The team bases are in Bagnoli, the former industrial area now being redeveloped, where a free-entry sports village is also being created.
- The event village for the 2026 preliminary regatta was on the Lungomare Caracciolo, at the Rotonda Diaz, free and open from 11:00 to 21:00–22:00. The 2027 venues and opening hours have not been announced yet.
Tips if you are coming to Naples
- Book early. The Match days, 10–19 July, are also high summer: accommodation and ferries fill up.
- Use public transport. On race days the seafront has traffic restrictions: Line 2 stops at Mergellina and Piazza Amedeo, Line 1 at Municipio and Toledo.
- Add some sea time. Between races: Procida, Capri or the beaches of Posillipo.
- Protect yourself from the sun. In July the seafront is very hot and there is little shade: water, a hat and sunscreen.
What to see near the race course
- Seafront and Castel dell'Ovoright opposite the race course
- Where to watch the racesthe best spots on land
- Chiaiathe neighbourhood on the seafront
- Mergellinaharbour and hydrofoils
Frequently asked questions
When is the America's Cup in Naples?
The Louis Vuitton Cup, the challenger selection series, runs from 22 May to 4 July 2027. The final Match starts on 10 July 2027 and ends on 19 July at the latest.
Where are the America's Cup races held in Naples?
In the Bay of Naples, close to the shore between Castel dell'Ovo and Posillipo. The team bases are in Bagnoli.
Do you have to pay to watch the America's Cup in Naples?
No: you can watch the races for free from the seafront, and both the event village and the Bagnoli village are free to enter.
Is Luna Rossa taking part in the 2027 America's Cup?
Yes, Luna Rossa is one of the challengers and has to get through the Louis Vuitton Cup to reach the Match against Emirates Team New Zealand.
Where to stay for the America's Cup
48 places to stay in Chiaia on Napolibnb.it, the Naples holiday-rental portal: you contact the host directly, with no booking fees. Every listing shows its official CIN code.
