A vision unveiled in Genoa
At the 65th Genoa International Boat Show, Grant Dalton of Emirates Team New Zealand joined Italian partners Sport e Salute to present a striking vision for the 2027 America’s Cup. The announcement confirmed Naples as the venue and revealed an ambitious redevelopment of the Bagnoli waterfront.
Dalton described the Bay of Naples as “perfection” for racing, with organisers determined to match its natural drama with world-class facilities and fan experiences.
Regenerating Bagnoli
Bagnoli, once an industrial quarter, is set to become the beating heart of the Cup. Plans include new technical bases for AC75 syndicates, a Women’s and Youth America’s Cup hub for AC40s, and a superyacht marina sheltered by an extended stone breakwater.
A purpose-built fan village will feature giant screens, interactive exhibits, food and retail outlets, and volunteer facilities, all wrapped around state-of-the-art media and broadcast centres.
A citywide Race Village
The reach of the event will extend beyond Bagnoli into the centre of Naples. The famous seafront boulevard, Viale Francesco Caracciolo, will be converted into a sprawling Race Village. It will host the main stage for trophy ceremonies, alongside hospitality suites, brand activations, bars, and restaurants. Grandstand areas along the shoreline promontories will offer fans unrivalled views of the Bay’s racecourse.
Organisers anticipate unprecedented fan engagement, aiming to exceed the million spectators who turned out when America’s Cup World Series regattas visited Naples in 2012 and 2013.
Italy gets Cup fever
With three months of racing scheduled, including the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup regattas, Naples is preparing to welcome sailors and supporters from around the globe. The mix of high-stakes competition, urban renewal, and Italian flair is expected to make the 38th America’s Cup one of the most memorable in the event’s 174-year history.
As Dalton put it, the summer of 2027 will be “a must-see event on the global sailing calendar.”
