Naples · September 24–27, 2026
America’s Cup Naples 2026: Schedule, Race Village, and races from the sea
The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Naples brings nine AC40s to the Bay of Naples.
Quick answer
When and where does the Naples Preliminary Regatta take place?
The event takes place from Thursday, September 24 to Sunday, September 27, 2026, in the Bay of Naples. The main point on land is the Official Race Village at Rotonda Diaz, in the Mappatella Beach area along Via Francesco Caracciolo. The village is open to everyone with free entry; the official racing days are Friday 25, Saturday 26, and Sunday 27 September.
The September stage is the dress rehearsal for the “Road to Naples 2027”. The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Match will begin in Naples on July 10, 2027.
Updated calendar
America’s Cup Naples 2026 Schedule
The Race Village opens daily at 11:00 AM. On the three official days, races are scheduled from 2:00 PM CEST, with an approximate conclusion by 4:00 PM. Times may change due to wind, sea state, safety, or race management decisions.
- 11:00 AMRace Village Opening
- DaytimeOfficial practice on the water
- 6:30 PMPresentation of all teams on the main stage
- 9:00 PMRace Village closing
- 11:00 AMRace Village Opening
- 12:00 PMDock-out show
- 2:00 PMUp to 3 fleet races
- 5:00 PMDock-in show and entertainment
- 9:00 PMRace Village Closing
- 11:00 AMRace Village Opening
- 12:00 PMDock-out show
- 2:00 PMUp to 3 fleet races
- 5:00 PMDock-in show and entertainment
- 8:30 PMRace Village Closing
- 11:00 AMRace Village Opening
- 12:00 PMDock-out show
- 2:00 PMFleet races + Final Match Race
- 5:00 PMPrize-giving ceremony
- 8:00 PMRace Village Closing
Arrive early. For those following from the sea, the organization advises reaching the spectator zone by 1:30 PM. For the Race Village, expect high attendance and road closures on the waterfront.
Sport and technology
How the Preliminary Regatta works: AC40s, scoring, and the final
The AC40s are high-performance foiling one-designs, capable of exceeding 40 knots. Each crew consists of four sailors — two helmsmen and two trimmers — and all boats race in an equalized configuration, highlighting handling, starts, tactics, and maneuvers.
The 4-step format
- Fleet Races All boats on the starting line for up to 8 races over three days.
- Scoring Points awarded based on finishing position in each fleet race.
- The Final A winner-takes-all Match Race between the top two teams in the standings.
- The Trophy The winner is crowned champion of the Preliminary Regatta in Naples.
Details for enthusiasts
- Maximum expected time for a race: 25 minutes.
- Windward/leeward course with gates and downwind finish.
- Indicated wind window: from 7.5 to 21 knots of true wind.
- Management may cancel races if wind or sea state are not suitable for foiling.
The fleet
The nine boats expected in Naples
The fleet brings together Principal Teams and three Women & Youth crews. Luna Rossa will have two boats on the water, doubling the show for the home crowd.
| Country | Team / boat | Category |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Emirates Team New Zealand | Principal Team · Defender |
| New Zealand | Emirates Team New Zealand Women & Youth | Women & Youth |
| United Kingdom | GB1 | Principal Team · Challenger of Record |
| United Kingdom | Athena Pathway | Women & Youth |
| Italy | Luna Rossa 2 | Principal Team |
| Italy | Luna Rossa 1 | Women & Youth |
| Switzerland | TUDOR Team Alinghi | Principal Team |
| France | La Roche-Posay Racing Team | Women & Youth |
| United States | American Racing Challenger Team USA | Principal Team · PR2 debut |
Team Australia is entered in the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, but is not expected on the starting line of the Naples Preliminary Regatta according to the official list published for PR2.
From the shore
Race Village Naples: free admission on Lungomare Caracciolo
The heart of the event is at Rotonda Diaz, also known as Mappatella Beach, with the spectator area extending along Via Francesco Caracciolo. It is the easiest spot to experience the America’s Cup atmosphere without boarding a boat and to follow the races on giant screens.
What you’ll find at the Race Village
- Main stage with dock-out and dock-in shows.
- Presentations, interviews, and meet-and-greets with the sailors.
- Live coverage of the regattas on giant screens with commentary and analysis.
- Food Court, beach bars, refreshment points, and official merchandise shop.
- Music and local entertainment after the stage events.
- Final prize-giving and Women & Youth trophy on Sunday, September 27.
- America’s Cup Radio via web to listen to live commentary on headphones.
Watch on water
How to watch the America’s Cup Naples 2026 from the sea
Following the AC40s from a private boat can offer an extraordinary perspective, but it is not free navigation around the race course. Spectator vessels must be registered, remain in the designated areas, and strictly follow the official protocol.
Essential rules for spectator boats
It is always mandatory to follow the instructions of the marshals at sea and any updated communication from the organization.
Before booking
Availability, departure port, time, type of vessel, and actual position depend on event rules, maritime traffic, weather, and the captain’s decisions. No operator can guarantee that a race will be held or a view will always be clear.
Tell us your starting point, date, and number of people: we can check a tailor-made solution to reach the Race Village or, if operationally available, follow the races from a private boat in compliance with the official protocol.
Amalfi Coast Lovers
Private tours and transfers for the Naples Preliminary Regatta
Let us know your starting point, date, and number of people: we can look for a custom solution to reach the Race Village or, if operationally available, follow the races from a private boat in compliance with the official protocol.
Regatta from the sea on a private boat
Request availability for September 25, 26, or 27. If confirmed, the service is planned with a captain and suitable vessel, spectator area, technical times, and applicable procedures.
Discover the Naples area fleetPrivate transfer to the Race Village
Car or minivan with pickup from hotel, villa, port, station, airport, or agreed address. Possible departures from Naples, Salerno, Sorrento, Pompeii, Caserta, Amalfi Coast, and other cities on request.
See private transfersPrivate tour of Naples + event
Combine the Race Village with a private itinerary including the seafront, historic center, viewpoints, and Neapolitan flavors, adapted to the race schedule and the needs of families, groups, or cruise passengers.
Create a custom tourTraffic: why it pays to plan your transfer
The City of Naples has ordered from September 21 to 27, 2026, a ban on vehicular traffic in Viale Anton Dohrn and in the section of Via Francesco Caracciolo between Viale Dohrn and Piazza Vittoria, as well as temporary changes on the Riviera di Chiaia. The drop-off point for a transfer will therefore be the closest permitted at the time, with a final stretch on foot. Departure and return should be scheduled with a margin for crowds, checks, and traffic variations.
Free request with no obligation
Ask for information about the event, private boat, or transfer
Fill in the essential details: WhatsApp will open with a ready-made message for Amalfi Coast Lovers. We will get back to you with availability and a personalized proposal.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ on the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Naples
When does the America’s Cup take place in Naples in 2026?
The Naples Preliminary Regatta takes place from September 24 to 27, 2026. Thursday 24 is the Official Practice Day; the official racing days are Friday 25, Saturday 26, and Sunday 27 September.
What time do the races start?
Races are scheduled from 2:00 PM CEST and should conclude approximately by 4:00 PM on the days from September 25 to 27. The schedule may change due to wind, sea, safety, or race management decisions.
Where is the Race Village located and how much is the entry fee?
The Official Race Village is at Rotonda Diaz, in the Mappatella Beach area, and extends along Via Francesco Caracciolo on the Naples waterfront. Entry is free for everyone.
Can the races be seen from the sea?
Yes, exclusively from the designated spectator areas and respecting the official protocol. Every vessel must be registered; we can check the availability of a private boat with a captain for a tailor-made experience.
Can I request a private boat to follow the AC40s?
Yes, you can send a request to Amalfi Coast Lovers. Confirmation depends on the availability of a suitable vessel, the port, spectator protocol, applicable permits and procedures, weather and sea conditions, and the captain’s decisions.
Can I book a private transfer to the Race Village?
Yes. We can check transfers by car or minivan from hotel, villa, port, station, airport, or agreed address, with departures from Naples, Salerno, Sorrento, Pompeii, Caserta, Amalfi Coast, and other cities on request. Due to closures, the drop-off will be at the nearest accessible point.
Which teams are participating in the Naples Preliminary Regatta?
Nine boats are expected: Emirates Team New Zealand and its Women & Youth Team; GB1 and Athena Pathway; Luna Rossa 2 and Luna Rossa 1; TUDOR Team Alinghi; La Roche-Posay Racing Team; American Racing Challenger Team USA.
What happens if there is no wind or the sea is not suitable?
Times, number of races, and proceedings depend on the decisions of the race management. If conditions are not suitable for foiling, races may be delayed or canceled for the day.
When will the main America’s Cup event be held in Naples?
The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Match will start in Naples on July 10, 2027.
Where can I find last-minute official updates?
Check the official America’s Cup page dedicated to Naples and communications from the City of Naples. Before leaving, always check the schedule, traffic, and spectator protocol at sea.