The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup moved into its next phase this week in Naples, with the formal launch of the America’s Cup Partnership and confirmation that Louis Vuitton will continue as headline sponsor.
Held inside the Palazzo Reale, the presentation brought together teams, organisers, and international media to mark the start of what has been branded the Road to Naples. Beyond the ceremony, the message was clear. This cycle is about structural change as much as sailing.
A new framework for the Cup
At the centre of the announcement was the creation of the America’s Cup Partnership, or ACP, a new governance body formed by the competing teams. The Partnership introduces shared decision making and neutral management, aimed at improving long term stability and commercial confidence.
Five teams are confirmed as founding ACP members and challengers: Emirates Team New Zealand, GB1 as Challenger of Record, Luna Rossa, Tudor Team Alinghi, and K-Challenge.
The intent is to move the Cup away from fragmented control and towards a model that better supports teams, sponsors, and broadcasters alike.
Louis Vuitton recommits
Louis Vuitton’s renewal as headline sponsor reinforces that shift. The brand’s involvement stretches back to 1983 and the creation of the Louis Vuitton Cup, a moment that reshaped the modern America’s Cup.
Chief Executive Officer Pietro Beccari framed the renewed partnership as backing a more modern and inclusive future, while underlining the significance of Italy hosting the event for the first time.
For the Cup, the message is simple. A major global brand has looked at the new structure and chosen to stay.
Dates locked in for Naples 2027
Grant Dalton, Chief Executive of Emirates Team New Zealand, confirmed the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Match will open with two races on Saturday 10 July 2027, with racing expected to conclude over the weekend of 17 and 18 July 2027.
With dates now set, planning across the entire event accelerates, from boat design timelines through to broadcast and commercial programmes.
Italian backing and the Road to Naples
Italian government and sporting leaders used the launch to underline strong institutional support, highlighting media reach, urban regeneration, and the opportunity to position Naples and the Gulf as a world class sailing venue.
Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth. Photo credit: AC media
The focus, however, quickly returned to the water. Cagliari was confirmed as the venue for the first Preliminary Regatta, providing the opening competitive step on the Road to Naples.
Aotearoa’s presence and a reset moment
A cultural welcome led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei marked one of the most distinctive moments of the presentation. Representing the Defender and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the iwi formally recognised the creation of the ACP and presented pounamu taonga to the founding teams.
Both Dalton and Challenger of Record Sir Ben Ainslie described the Partnership as a reset for the America’s Cup. A move toward clearer governance, closer racing, and stronger commercial footing.
With teams confirmed, dates locked, and a new framework in place, the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup has moved from announcement to action. The Road to Naples has begun.
