Sardinia will officially open the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup , the oldest and most prestigious sailing competition in the world, which will award the title to Naples in July 2027. The first Preliminary Regatta was presented in Cagliari, in the conference room of the cruise terminal, in the presence of institutions, international organizers and team representatives.
The first Preliminary Regatta in the Gulf of Angels
The regatta will take place from May 21st to 24th 2026 in the Gulf of Angels , off the port of Cagliari . The event was conceived and funded by the Sardinia Region's Department of Tourism and is organized in collaboration with ACE – America's Cup Event , Team New Zealand , the Italian Government , and Sport e Salute SpA.
Five teams have registered so far, competing with two AC40 one-design foiling boats , one of which is dedicated to female crews and young sailors. The first few days will feature fleet racing, while the top two finishers will compete in a winner-takes-all final.
An international event for Sardinia
The presentation was introduced by the Regional Councillor for Tourism Franco Cuccureddu, which highlighted the complex path that led Sardinia to overcome competition from other international locations.
“Sardinia, due to its very island status, has a deep connection with sailing,” Cuccureddu stated, “and it's certainly no coincidence that the first Italian challenges to the America's Cup were born in Sardinia with Azzurra… Just as it's no coincidence that Luna Rossa chose Cagliari as its base.”
Ph. Luigi Corda – Regional Councillor for Tourism, Franco Cuccureddu
The Councilor also highlighted the important impact in terms of tourism promotion, recalling that 2026 is the year in which Sardinia was indicated as the Best Destination in Travel by Lonely Planet.
The institutions and strategic value of the America's Cup
Also speaking during the meeting were the President of the Port System Authority of Sardinia, Domenico Bagalà , the Mayor of Cagliari Massimo Zedda , the Maritime Commander of Sardinia Admiral Enrico Pacioni and, via video link, the General Commander of the Port Authority Corps Admiral Sergio Liardo and the Mayor of Naples Gaetano Manfredi , confirming the strong institutional coordination.
Ph. Luigi Corda – President of the Sardinia Port System Authority, Engineer Domenico Bagalà
The CEO of then intervened Sport and Health, Diego Nepi Molineris, who stated:
“The Road to America's Cup 2027 kicks off from Cagliari… In the Gulf of Angels, Sardinia hosts the first preliminary regatta, confirming Cagliari as an international leader in sailing, innovation, and sustainability.”
Ph Luigi Corda – CEO Sport and Health, Diego Nepi MolinerisCagliari, a protagonist of world-class sailing
Sardinia Regional President Alessandra Todde emphasized how the event represents "a global showcase" to showcase Cagliari and the entire island to the world, showcasing its sea, landscapes, organizational skills, and nautical culture, as well as constituting a strategic investment in development and sports tourism.
Photo Luigi Corda – The President of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, Alessandra ToddeClosing the institutional speeches was the Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi , who spoke of "an unexpected choice" and of a recognition of the Italian sailing tradition, capable of inspiring the new generations.
Photo Luigi Corda – Minister Andrea AbodiAmerica 's Cup Event managers Leslie Ryan and Luis Saenz Mariscal finally illustrated the technical details of the event, anticipating a race course visible from land , a central Race Village and four days of entertainment open to the public.
Ph. Luigi Corda – ACE Managers, Leslie Ryan and Luis Saenz MariscalSardinia is thus preparing to become the first international stage for the 38th Louis Vuitton America's Cup, confirming Cagliari as a global hub for major sailing and globally significant sporting events.
