The Gulf of Naples will host the 38th America’s Cup in July 2027, making it one of the most significant sailing venues of the decade. Mount Vesuvius, the only active volcano on mainland Europe, rises directly behind the racecourse, creating a backdrop that is both dramatic and faintly ominous. The Amalfi Coast, Capri, and the islands of Ischia and Procida frame the gulf to the south and west.
The gulf’s sailing conditions are shaped by the interplay between thermal breezes and the complex coastline. The Ponente, a westerly thermal, typically fills in the afternoon as the Campanian plain heats. The mountains behind Naples create funnelling effects that can accelerate wind speed in certain areas of the gulf. The island of Capri, sitting at the southern entrance, creates wind shadows and acceleration zones depending on the prevailing direction.
Naples has hosted sailing events before, including America’s Cup World Series regattas, but the 38th America’s Cup represents a step change in scale and ambition. The city is investing in waterfront infrastructure to accommodate the teams, spectators, and media that the America’s Cup brings. The 2026 Preliminary Regatta in Cagliari will use AC40s, while the full AC75 racing in Naples in 2027 will be the main event.
The IANA timezone is Europe/Rome (CEST, UTC+2 during summer). A 13:00 CEST start converts to 12:00 BST in London, 07:00 EDT in New York, and 21:00 AEST in Sydney.
The Tyrrhenian Sea around Naples is deep and relatively clear, with water temperatures reaching 25 degrees in summer. The gulf’s enclosed shape provides some protection from open Mediterranean swell, while the thermal wind pattern delivers racing conditions that should suit the foiling AC75s.