38th America’s Cup, LUNA ROSSA triumphs in Sardinia at the preliminary of the “Road to Naples”

38th America’s Cup, debut in Cagliari from May 21 to 24, 2026 for the preliminary regattas, officially kicked off the “Road to Naples”, an official path that will bring an extraordinary event to Italy for the first time in history. In July 2027, the 38th America’s Cup will arrive in Naples and is expected to be one of the most significant sporting events in the country, with a truly important economic impact, estimated to be close to one billion euros.

The event held in the waters off the Gulf of Angels in Cagliari attracted the attention of thousands of people who were able to witness a great sporting event. Steady winds between 10 and 14 knots, a light swell, and a blue sky allowed the crews to compete in practically perfect conditions.

With an extraordinary shape of Luna Rossa 1, the Women & Youth Team of Marco Gradoni and Margherita Porro, a spot in the finals seemed inevitable, but unfortunately facing technical issues with the onboard time-on-distance displays, the Italian team was recalled for having crossed the starting line early in the first race and, failing to serve the penalty in time, was disqualified. The fight for the absolute title passed to the senior teams of Luna Rossa and Emirates Team New Zealand, a mistake by Nathan Outteridge 52 seconds from the starting signal allowed Luna Rossa a clean start in the middle of the line. No matter how hard they tried, the kiwis could never get back into the race, while the Italians closely marked them throughout the course, demonstrating great tactical acumen and top-level technical preparation, the gap at the finish was 33 seconds.

The regatta raised the bar in anticipation of the second Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta, scheduled in Naples from September 24 to 27, 2026.

The next stages of the 38th America’s Cup

2.2nd Stage: Naples: September 24 – 27, 2026.

The teams will compete again in the waters of the Gulf of Naples aboard the AC40s

3.3rd Stage: Naples: Spring 2027.

The last preliminary event in Naples, just a few weeks before the official start of the Louis Vuitton Cup (the challenger selection series).

4. The Grand Finale: 38th America’s Cup: July 2027.

The decisive races between Castel dell’Ovo and Posillipo that will award the America’s Cup 2027, the first historic edition hosted entirely in Italy.