Image: Ian Roman / America's Cup
America’s Cup Defenders Emirates Team New Zealand completed their first training session on the famous waters of the Bay of Naples today, getting their first taste of sailing on the exact racecourse that will play host to the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup racing action in 2027.
In a perfect 10–15 knot seabreeze, the team’s two AC40 foiling monohulls trained on the racecourse right off the Naples waterfront, marking a significant milestone in the team’s preparation for the 2027 America’s Cup Match. The iconic backdrop of Mount Vesuvius and the historic Castel dell'Ovo offered a contrast to the wintery conditions on Auckland’s Waitematā harbour where the team have been training on their AC75 in recent weeks.
For the Kiwi squad, led by CEO Grant Dalton, the time sailing on the precise racecourse is invaluable. This specific training block in early July aligns perfectly with the window for the 2027 America’s Cup Match, allowing the team to gather critical experience and race data by sailing in conditions they are most likely to face when they return to defend the Auld Mug next year. For a team aiming for their fourth consecutive America’s Cup victory, mastering this natural amphitheatre is paramount.
The block of sailing in Naples is not entirely about the longer term goals next year, the dual benefit of an intense window of in-house two boat AC40 racing is preparation for the second Preliminary Regatta in Naples in just over two months’ time, from 24–27 September 2026, where the fleet of AC40s racing is expected to be expanded and all the more competitive than what has been seen before.
"It really is very special to be out here," said Nathan Outteridge, Emirates Team New Zealand Skipper. "To get a first-hand look at the racecourse and start feeling out the conditions in the exact window we’ll be racing in next year is a massive opportunity for us. While we have come here to learn about the course, sailing and racing both of our AC40s, is also helping prepare for the event later in September so we'll be getting into some more detailed sailing over the coming weeks and maximising our time while we're here.
We had a really good first day. Two boats out there on the racecourse for the first time with beautiful sailing conditions. A really good sea breeze came through around midday, and we were straight into it, so overall it was a solid first day here in Naples.”
The sentiment was echoed by Flight Controller Andy Maloney, who emphasised the importance of the two-boat testing format. "Having both AC40s out here allows us to push each other and really explore the nuances of the bay. The environment is world-class, and it’s a privilege to be sailing in such an historic setting on Naples’ waters for the first time. A real excitement from the entire team to get our first opportunity to scope out the race track for the 38th America’s Cup. It’s a pretty spectacular location with the city of Naples spanning up the surrounding hills and Mount Vesuvius in the background. We have only just got off the water but are already looking forward to getting back out there and continuing to learn about this awesome venue.”
Beyond the technical data and performance metrics, the team has been quick to share their appreciation for the warmth and energy of the local community. The vibrant culture of Naples, known for its passion, history, and unparalleled hospitality, has provided a welcoming atmosphere for the sailors and support crew of the team that brought the America’s Cup to Naples.
Kevin Shoebridge, Emirates Team New Zealand COO, noted the team's excitement about the venue selection. "Being in Naples is a reminder of why the 38th America’s Cup will be such a special event, but also how tough it is going to be on the water with six strong Challengers all competing with the sole objective of winning the America’s Cup in just over one year. The city has opened its arms to us, and the people we have met have been so immensely welcoming. It’s a city that breathes sport and culture, and we are already feeling the intensity and the history that this place brings to the America’s Cup."
Emirates Team New Zealand will continue their on-water development in Naples over the coming weeks, fine-tuning their systems, communication and observations of the Napoli racecourse as the Road to Naples 2027 continues to accelerate, before returning to the wider team back in Auckland who are continuing to advance the design and development of the AC75 ready to resume on-water testing and ongoing innovation.
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