BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide

America's Cup 2027 in Naples: watching the racing from a boat

The 38th America's Cup will be raced in Naples in 2027, off Bagnoli. Announced dates, the racecourse, spectator-boat rules and rental advice for the bay of Naples.

For the first time in its history, the America's Cup will be raced in Italy: the 38th edition — officially the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup — has been awarded to Naples for 2027. For anyone who dreams of watching AC75s fly at 50 knots somewhere other than on television, the bay of Naples promises to be one of the finest natural stadiums the event has ever chosen. Here's what is already known, and how to prepare a rental in the bay.

What has been announced

The final match is scheduled for mid-July 2027 — the official calendar has match racing starting on 10 July and concluding around 17-18 July — preceded by the preliminary regattas and by the Women's and Youth events raced in AC40s. The event base will be at Bagnoli, Naples' western seaside district, whose former industrial site is undergoing a full conversion: team bases, a dedicated superyacht marina, a public race village with giant screens. The racecourse will be laid in the bay, a short distance from the shore — a deliberate choice by the organisers so that the public can watch the boats from land, and, for the luckiest, from the water.

Watching from a boat: what to anticipate

As at every major regatta, the racecourse will be closed to navigation during racing: exclusion zones will be defined by the local maritime authorities and harbourmaster's ordinances, with a spectator perimeter along the course boundary. The precise rules (distances, access channels, speed limits) will be published closer to the event — the reflex to remember is the one described in our guide regattas: how not to get in the way: check the notices before heading out, stay behind the marshal boats, keep the VHF on. A local skipper, who will know the day's ordinances, will be the most comfortable option — see our guide to crewed charter.

The water: the bay of Naples, a backdrop apart

Between Vesuvius, Capri and the Phlegraean Fields, the bay offers far more than the racing. A rental from Naples opens up Ischia and Procida on one side, Sorrento and Capri on the other, and the Amalfi coast one crossing away — enough to build a whole week around a few days of Cup racing. Our Italy hub lists every base in the area.

Book early: the lesson of past editions

The effect of an America's Cup on its host city is massive and well documented: the study by the Valencian Institute of Economic Research (Ivie) on the 32nd edition held in Valencia in 2007 (read the study) put the cumulative 2004-2007 impact at roughly €2.7 billion in value added and more than 70,000 jobs for the region — and Valencia's tourist profile changed durably after the event. The practical translation for a boater: in Naples in July 2027, boats, berths and beds will go very early. If watching the Cup from the water is part of your plans, set an alert on your dates as soon as calendars open — Boat-Comparator will be comparing Boataround, SamBoat and Click&Boat live for Naples, Procida, Ischia and Sorrento.

While waiting for 2027

The 2026 Mediterranean season already offers plenty to bridge the gap: Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show are also best seen from a boat — our guides explain how.

Compare the platforms now →

Also worth reading

• How much does it cost to rent a boat in 2026? Real prices
• License-Free Boat Rental in France: Rules, Prices & Where to Book
• Renting with or without a skipper: how to choose