CAGLIARI OPENS THE LOUIS VUITTON 38TH AMERICA’S CUP

The presentation of the first Preliminary Regatta of the 38th America’s Cup took place today at the Conference Hall of the Molo Ichnusa Cruise Terminal in Cagliari. The event will be held from May 21 to 24, 2026, in the Gulf of Angels, with the racecourse set in the waters just off the Port of Cagliari.

All five registered America’s Cup teams will compete in the Cagliari Preliminary Regatta: the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) and the Challengers Luna Rossa (ITA), Athena Racing (GBR), Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI), and K-Challenge (FRA). The schedule includes three days of racing plus one practice day. Crews will compete aboard one-design AC40 foiling monohulls. Each team will be able to launch two boats, one of which will feature a mixed crew of youth and women sailors. During the opening days, the teams will compete in a series of fleet races, after which the top two teams in the standings will face each other in a “winner-takes-all” final that will determine the overall winner of the event.

The Cagliari Preliminary Regatta was made possible thanks to the commitment and funding of the Sardinia Region’s Department of Tourism and is organized in collaboration with ACE – America’s Cup Event, the Italian Government — in particular the Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi — and Sport e Salute S.p.A.

The press conference — moderated by the Regional Tourism Councillor of the Region of Sardinia, Franco Cuccureddu — was attended by Alessandra Todde, President of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia; Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth; the CEO of Sport e Salute, Diego Nepi Molineris; and, via video link, the Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi. Also present in the room were Max Sirena, CEO of Luna Rossa, representatives of the teams competing in the 38th America’s Cup, and several institutional officials, along with port authorities and representatives of the Italian Navy. Representing ACE – America’s Cup Event– were Leslie Ryan and Luis Saenz de Mariscal.

Alessandra Todde, President of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, commented: «Being here today at Molo Ichnusa, in the setting that the Luna Rossa team has occupied for 12 years, together with the organizers of the America’s Cup, means supporting an opportunity of extraordinary value not only for Cagliari, but for the whole of Sardinia. Hosting the opening event of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup represents international recognition of our island as an ideal venue for elite sailing, thanks to a unique racecourse, exceptional natural conditions, and a long-standing sporting and maritime tradition. This event is much more than a sporting competition: it is a global showcase that allows us to tell the story of Cagliari and Sardinia to the world, highlighting our sea, landscapes, organizational capabilities, and deep connection to nautical culture. It is also a sign of an investment looking toward the future, because events of this caliber generate development, strengthen sports tourism, and help balance seasonal flows, creating new opportunities for the territory and local communities».

Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth, added: «We are proud not only to host the America’s Cup in Italy, in Naples, but also that this journey begins as early as mid-year in the Italian waters of Cagliari — a far from obvious choice that rewards the great effort that has gone into it. This is an iconic place for the sailing world, home of Luna Rossa, which we helped select as the venue for the first Preliminary Regatta of the America’s Cup. This choice confirms the recognition of Italy’s sailing tradition and offers the opportunity to further promote and grow appreciation for this fascinating sport, inspiring new generations and giving additional momentum to sports tourism in this wonderful region. Italy will once again be at the center of the world, as a leading player, through sport and international events».

«We are delighted that Cagliari has been selected as the opening venue for the Preliminary Regattas of the 38th America’s Cup», said Max Sirena, CEO of Luna Rossa. «It is a wonderful city, one we know extremely well, having chosen it as our operational base back in 2014. The racecourse is among the most spectacular in the world, and the city also offers many opportunities on land for everyone who comes to follow the competitions. Racing in waters that now feel like home will be particularly exciting, and we are confident this will be a top-level event, also thanks to the collaboration with national and regional institutions».

Leslie Ryan, America’s Cup Event Director, commented: «Planning is already well underway here in Cagliari, Sardinia, to deliver a spectacular event next May. A racecourse in the bay visible from land for spectators, a central race village packed with content, and large screens that will be installed along the port and accessible to everyone. An action-packed four-day program is expected».

Further details will be announced during an event scheduled to take place in Naples on January 21. More information on the exact format and starting times of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Sardinia will be released soon by the Regatta Director and will be available at www.americascup.com.