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Naples, Italy will host the 38th America's Cup between March and August 2027, the Italian government has announced alongside Emirates Team New Zealand.
It marks the first time the prestigious sailing event will be held in Italy, a long-time competitor with a deep history in the regatta.
One of Europe's oldest cities, Naples will stage the Cup racing between Castel dell'Ovo and Posillipo in the Gulf of Naples under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Team bases would be set up in the Bagnoli district, which was currently undergoing major urban regeneration.
Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton said he couldn't be more excited to announce Naples as the host venue for the next America's Cup.
“By bringing the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup to this country, it feels like we are bringing it to the people, in our ambition to continually grow the audience of the America’s Cup and the sport of sailing.”
He praised the Italian sailing community as one of the "most passionate and engaged", and described Naples as "the perfect venue" for the event.
"There is a raw spirit and absolute pride in Italy that seems so appropriate to have the next America’s Cup here," Dalton added.
Italy was home to Luna Rossa, Team NZ’s long-time rival, making the setting especially meaningful from a competitive standpoint.
The Italian outfit came up short against Team New Zealand in two America's Cup challenges, both in Auckland in 2000 and 2021.
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron commodore David Blakey said Naples hosting the America's Cup offered an "incredible opportunity" to showcase New Zealand sailing and innovation on a global stage.
"We are proud to be defending the Cup there in 2027.
"Our squadron members had an unforgettable experience travelling to Europe for the latest America’s Cup, and we look forward to delivering even more exclusive experiences and support opportunities in Naples, Italy."
Naples previously hosted America's Cup World Series events in 2012 and 2013, drawing an estimated crowd of more than one million people.
The announcement followed a successful bid supported by the Italian Government, with politicians calling the event a catalyst for tourism, urban development, and national pride.
Hosting the America’s Cup was expected to accelerate redevelopment plans for the Bagnoli district and draw global attention to the city’s waterfront, Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredin said.
Emirates Team New Zealand racing in Auckland in 2021 (Source: Getty)
The announcement of Naples as the host city marked the final tack away from any lingering hopes that Auckland might host the next America's Cup defence.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) announced Auckland would be unable to proceed with a bid to host the Cup in April.
"Auckland's bid was contingent on a three-way funding partnership between Auckland Council, central government and the private sector. MBIE has informed TAU that the Government is unable provide the funds required and on that basis the bid cannot proceed," he said.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the America's Cup would have been "nice to do" but that the Government would have needed to put up "a lot of money".
"We've inherited a very messy set of economic books and I think most New Zealanders would sit there and go, 'What's the choice, actually upgrading regional provincial hospitals across New Zealand or actually investing in America's Cup?' and it's pretty clear to me that actually New Zealanders want us to invest in proper infrastructure.
"We have a responsibility to be very grown-up and responsible with taxpayers' money."
