Teams Presentation for the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup in Naples, Italy
by America's Cup media 21 Jan 07:45 PST
21 January 2026
America's Cup Partnership formally initiated as Louis Vuitton renews its headline sponsorship © Ian Roman / America's Cup
In the grand hall of the Palazzo Reale in Naples, before the key governmental and regional architects of bringing the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup to Italy, the world's media were present to witness the unveiling of the America's Cup Partnership (ACP) alongside the founding teams who will not only constitute the ACP, but also contest the world's oldest international sporting contest.
In addition, the dates of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup Match in Naples were confirmed with Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand announcing that the Match would start with two opening races on Saturday 10th July 2027 and run to a conclusion by the weekend of the 17th and 18th July 2027.
Delegates at the Palazzo Reale enjoyed a wide-ranging presentation that focussed primarily on the 'Road to Naples' as well as the considerable sporting challenge before them. Representatives of the five teams currently entered to compete for the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup — Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), GB1 (GBR), Luna Rossa (ITA), Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI), and K-Challenge (FRA) — were presented, before the official announcement of Louis Vuitton's sponsorship and commitment to the America's Cup was confirmed by Pietro Beccari, Chief Executive Officer of Louis Vuitton.
Speaking about Louis Vuitton's continued involvement, Mr Beccari said: "We are delighted to support the America's Cup in its new transformation, ushering in an even more modern and inclusive era. Together, we experienced the Cup's first major transformation in 1983 with the creation of the Louis Vuitton Cup, and today we are honoured to be present for this new historic edition, the first to take place in Italy, once again demonstrating that Victory Travels in Louis Vuitton."
Italian institutional representatives at the presentation included the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi; the Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi and the President of Sport e Salute, Marco Mezzaroma.
Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi addressed the audience offering a warm welcome, saying: "Today, another step forward was taken with the launch of the America's Cup Partnership, which continues and strengthens the path toward Naples 2027. This collaboration represents a bridge between the tradition and innovation of the world's oldest sailing competition, propelling it toward a new phase of growth, modernisation, and greater global visibility. We are particularly proud that the change in the organisational model, aimed at leveraging television rights and amplifying the event's media reach, is taking shape with the Italian edition. This is a significant added value that places Italy at the centre of the international stage, within one of the most fascinating and coveted competitions in the world."
Following on from Minister Abodi, the new President of the Campania Region, Roberto Fico who was unable to attend the ceremony in Naples due to a prior commitment, welcomed delegates with a letter read out that stated: "Hosting the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup is a great honour for the Campania Region and its citizens. The eyes of the whole world will be focused on the magnificent Gulf of Naples and the beauty of our region. Campania is a land of culture, sport and hospitality. It boasts breathtaking views and an important sailing tradition. As institutions, we are ready to support the 'Road to Naples' with responsibility and pride."
The Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, confirmed that the city is preparing to host this major event, stating: "As the Host City of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup, we are delighted to be already at an advanced stage of preparations for the 'Road to Naples 2027.' We look forward to promoting our extraordinary seaside city as a premier destination and showcasing the incomparable Gulf of Naples as a world-class sailing venue."
Marco Mezzaroma, President of Sport e Salute (Sport & Health) further added: "With the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup in 2027, Naples and Italy are preparing to write a historic chapter. With the announcement of the dates, the countdown has officially begun. It will be much more than a regatta: a collective challenge, a shared vision, and a clear message to the future of our country."
"The presentation of the teams taking part in this extraordinary event marks the beginning of a journey that brings together sport, place, industry, and culture, with a firm focus on the future. Hosting the America's Cup in Naples is first and foremost a major opportunity for urban regeneration. It is also an international showcase for Made in Italy, where technology, design, shipbuilding, research, and sustainability come together in sailing as a perfect synthesis."
"Italy is once again strongly asserting its natural role in the Mediterranean: a crossroads of cultures, innovation, and maritime tradition. Hosting the America's Cup means bringing the Mediterranean back to the centre of world-class sailing, enhancing Naples as a symbolic port city and strengthening Italy's leadership in the Mediterranean space."
"In this context, Sport e Salute plays a strategic role in ensuring that the America's Cup is not only a great sporting event, but a system-wide project capable of generating widespread value. This is achieved through the promotion of sport, inclusion, and well-being, strengthening the connection between the event and the territory, encouraging citizen participation, and promoting access to sport both as a right and as an opportunity for qualified employment for all."
"This event reinforces Italy's central role in yachting and in the Mediterranean, placing Naples, its sea, and the entire blue economy at the forefront, with tangible benefits for tourism, employment, education, and development. The legacy the America's Cup will leave to the territory is therefore fundamental: not only a global event, but a structured project capable of generating lasting value, infrastructure, skills, and new opportunities, especially for young people."
The audience were treated to a powerful cultural welcome led by Ngati Whatua Orakei, the Auckland-based Maori iwi (indigenous tribe) from Auckland New Zealand, representing the current Defender, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Emirates Team New Zealand.
Ngati Whatua Orakei culturally recognised the creation of the ACP, and welcomed all teams to the America's Cup Partnership before presenting Pounamu taonga (Greenstone treasures) to the founding team members on stage. These taonga represent strength, the heritage of the America's Cup, respect for all teams that have gone before and a connection to an exciting future.
During the teams presentations, key members of each syndicate currently confirmed to be competing for the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup fielded questions regarding the challenge ahead, and of how the new America's Cup Partnership fundamentally enhances the contest going forward.
Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand commented: "We are immensely grateful to the government of Italy for making the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup the most anticipated in its 175-year history. Hosting the event in Italy is an honour and we are acutely aware of what is to come in terms of the passion and colour that the Italian fans will display. The Partnership is a watershed for the America's Cup that shares governance and the event's future direction and development, and having Louis Vuitton announce their continued commitment to the America's Cup is a testament to the new direction. It's absolutely vital to the long-term but, in the near-term, the ACP will guarantee some of the closest racing and a contest unparalleled."
Sir Ben Ainslie, Team Principal of the Challenger of Record GB1, echoed Dalton's words, saying: "Today marks a defining moment for the America's Cup. The teams have come together to set a clear line in the sand and begin a new era of strong governance and neutral management, all with the ambition of growing the fanbase and the commercial appeal of the event."GB1 are already seeing that vision come to life through the strength of our partnerships, including securing significant investment from Oakley Capital and engaging in exciting conversations with major global brands. The America's Cup is an iconic event, and this new chapter could elevate it into the highest tier of global sport."
After the event, media representatives from around the world met with the individual team members from Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), GB1 (GBR), Luna Rossa (ITA), Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI), and K-Challenge (FRA) who were in attendance, as well as having the opportunity to speak with Ministers in the grand surroundings of the Palazzo Reale.
Max Sirena, Chief Executive Officer of Luna Rossa: "We are very pleased that the first Preliminary Regatta will take place in Cagliari, a beautiful city we know well, having chosen it as our base back in 2014. It will be the first taste of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup, and our goal, as always, is to give our very best. As for Naples, we're sure it will be memorable. The Gulf of Naples is widely considered one of the most beautiful sailing venues in the world, and it will certainly provide a unique setting for the event. Of course, we feel the responsibility of racing in our own country in front of thousands of fans, but at the same time this will give us an extra boost to face the challenge in the best possible way. Since the end of the 37th America's Cup in Barcelona, we have never stopped working to be as prepared as possible for the 2027 event, with one clear objective in mind: to try to become the first Italian team to win the America's Cup."
David Endean, Team Director, Technical & Sailing of Tudor Team Alinghi: "Alinghi holds a distinctive emotional place in the history of the America's Cup-a reference team, deeply rooted in the story of the sport as the only European Challenger ever to win the trophy. It felt natural for us to join the founding members of this Partnership. We're excited about the fresh mindset it will bring to the world's oldest sporting trophy. With strong teams and the beautiful backdrop of Naples, the racing promises to be memorable for everyone involved."
Stephan Kandler, Founder and co-CEO of K-Challenge: "France is an historic country for sailing and in the America's Cup. K-Challenge has been involved since 2001 in various French challenges; it therefore became a mission to be involved in the America's Cup's future as one of the founding members of the new Partnership, alongside legendary teams like Emirates Team New Zealand, GB1, Luna Rossa, and Tudor Team Alinghi. It will reinforce the exposure and image of the America's Cup. It is a fantastic opportunity for the event and the teams to grow it at the same level as other leading sport properties."