What is the 38th Louis Vuitton America's Cup?

It is the oldest sailing competition in the world, founded in 1851. Cagliari hosts the first Preliminary Regatta of the 38th edition, the inaugural leg of the 'Road to Naples 2027' route, which will culminate with the final in Naples in 2027.

Why was Cagliari chosen as the first stop?

Cagliari hosted Luna Rossa for years as an operating base in the Military Port and has become an Italian nautical landmark. The Gulf of Angels guarantees ideal wind conditions for the racing.

What time do the races start?

Races start at 3:00 PM (Italian time). Official broadcasts start a little earlier with pre-shows. Races usually run until late afternoon.

How much does it cost to attend the races?

The Race Village and the AC Viewing Promenade are free and open access, available from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on race days. To watch the races from the sea you need organized tours such as those by Noestrum, with mandatory booking.

Are AC75s or AC40s racing in Cagliari?

Only AC40s race in Cagliari: 8 foiling monohulls measuring 12.2 metres that reach 40 knots. The AC75s, the 75-foot flagships, will debut in the 38th edition only at the Naples final in 2027.

Can you see the boats up close?

Yes, the AC40s are moored at the Race Village and visible to the public on race days, with activities and meet-ups linked to the teams. The team technical bases are at the Military Port of Cagliari.

Is it worth going even if you don't know sailing?

Absolutely. It is a top-level international sporting event with an engaging atmosphere. The Race Village is designed also for non-experts: commented giant screens, activities and an entire city celebrating.

Complete Guide 2026

HOW TO WATCH AMERICA'S CUP 21-24 May 2026 · Gulf of Angels

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38th Louis Vuitton America's Cup

Cagliari Opens the "Road to Naples 2027"

From 21 to 24 May 2026 the Gulf of Cagliari hosts the first Preliminary Regatta of the 38th edition of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup, the oldest and most prestigious sailing competition in the world (founded in 1851).

It is the inaugural stop of the new cycle that will culminate with the final in Naples in 2027. On the water, all 5 teams entered in the cup, including the Italian Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, which has its historic home in Cagliari.

Four days of high-intensity sailing, a city in celebration and the AC40s, foiling monohulls reaching nearly 70 km/h on the water, as the protagonists in the Gulf of Angels.

Day-by-day Schedule

Four event days. Three of actual racing. Races start each day at 3:00 PM.

Date

Thursday 21 May

Practice Day & Opening

Opening press conference, official water trials and evening Race Village inauguration.

Date

Friday 22 May

Race day

First Race Day

Up to 4 fleet races with all 5 teams racing simultaneously. Races start at 3:00 PM.

Date

Saturday 23 May

Race day

Second Race Day

Up to 4 more fleet races in the afternoon. The standings for the final take shape.

Date

Sunday 24 May

Race day

Match-Race Final

Last fleet races in the morning, then the final: a one-on-one Match-Race between the two top-ranked teams. The winner takes the Cagliari leg.

The 5 Teams Racing

For the first time, each team can field a second AC40 crew with their own Youth & Women teams.

🇮🇹

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli

Italy

Italian Challenger, Cagliari is home

🇳🇿

Emirates Team New Zealand

New Zealand

Defender, reigning champions of the 37th America's Cup

🇬🇧

Athena Racing

Great Britain

Challenger of Record

🇨🇭

Tudor Team Alinghi

Switzerland

Challenger

🇫🇷

K-Challenge

France

Challenger

The boats racing: AC40

Cagliari hosts the AC40s, foiling monohulls that lift off the water on their foils. The AC75s, the flagships of the Cup, will be the protagonists of the final in Naples 2027.

AC40 racing in Cagliari

40-foot (12.2 metre) foiling monohulls. Thanks to the foils they lift off the water and reach up to 40 knots (around 70 km/h). They are the same class used in the Youth & Women's America's Cup in Barcelona 2024.

Crew of 4 athletes
8 AC40s in the fleet
One boat per team with a 50/50 Youth & Women crew

AC75 Naples 2027 final

The flagships of the cup: 75-foot (22.86 metre) monohulls with a crew of 8 athletes and speeds above 50 knots (90+ km/h). They will not be present in Cagliari: their debut for the 38th edition is scheduled for the Naples final in 2027.

Crew of 8 athletes
Double-skin rigid sail
Visible at the team technical bases at the Military Port

Where to Watch: Land or Sea?

You have two options and they are very different. From land you live the atmosphere of the city in celebration, but the boats look distant. From the sea you see them whizz past just a few hundred metres away from you.

From Land · Free

Race Village & AC Viewing Promenade

Race Village

On the Cagliari port waterfront. Free open access from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on race days. Main stage, giant screens, AC40 boats on display, food, activities and big-event atmosphere. No direct view of the race course.

AC Viewing Promenade

A pedestrian promenade from the port to the Lazzaretto di Cagliari. From here you have direct view of the race course, with giant screen and activities managed by the Italian Sailing Federation.

Pros and cons

Free, engaging atmosphere
Family and kid-friendly
Boats look distant
You don't feel the real speed

From Sea · Top Experience

Boat tour with Noestrum

We get on board, reach the race area and position you in the best zone to watch the regattas. The difference compared to land is huge: the AC40s pass in front of you just a few hundred metres away.

Three options available

Shared Tour from €80 per person, single seat on a shared boat
Private Dinghy, exclusive boat for your group
Self-drive Rental, you drive in total freedom

Discover Noestrum tours

Limited seats. Prices increasing day by day.

Practical Info

Dates

21-24 May 2026 (4 days)

Race Times

Races start at 3:00 PM, live broadcast

Location

Gulf of Angels, in front of the Port of Cagliari

Cost from land

Race Village and Viewing Promenade are free

How to watch live

All races are streamed on the official YouTube, Facebook and americascup.com channels. In Italy there will be coverage on Sky and RaiSport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know to enjoy the event

Live the event from the sea

From land the boats look small. From the sea they whizz past you.

Noestrum organizes dedicated tours during the three race days to take you into the regatta area. Limited seats, prices starting from €80 per person.

Discover Noestrum tours

Questions? WhatsApp · booking@noestrum.com

HOW TO WATCH AMERICA'S CUP 21-24 May 2026 · Gulf of Angels

Cagliari Opens the "Road to Naples 2027"