Italy Defeats New Zealand to Win America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Naples

Naples, Italy — September 28, 2026

Italy won the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Naples on Sunday after defeating defending America’s Cup holders New Zealand in the final match race.

The three-day event brought together crews from Italy, New Zealand, Britain, France, Switzerland and the United States as teams continued preparations for next year’s America’s Cup competition.

Italy Controls the Final

The Italian AC40 yacht, skippered by Peter Burling alongside Luna Rossa crew members Marco Gradoni, Ruggero Tita, Maria Giubilei, Gianluigi Ugolini and Umberto Molineris, made a strong start in the two-boat final.

New Zealand attempted to recover after a slower beginning, but the Italian crew successfully responded to every move and maintained its advantage around the course.

Italy eventually crossed the finish line first, securing the preliminary regatta title as spectators watched from boats across the Bay of Naples.

A Strong Result Before the 2027 America’s Cup

The Naples event does not determine the America’s Cup itself, but it provided an early opportunity for teams to test their crews and equipment ahead of next summer’s competition.

The final featured the two highest-scoring teams after eight fleet races during the preliminary regatta.

Italy’s victory gave the Luna Rossa team an important result during the early stages of preparations for the next America’s Cup.

Teams Prepare for the Main Competition

The 2027 America’s Cup will be held in Naples, with teams competing aboard larger AC75 yachts.

The AC40 boats used in the preliminary regatta will also play a role in the women’s and youth America’s Cup events scheduled for next summer.

As teams establish their bases around Naples, Sunday’s race offered an early glimpse of the competition that will unfold when the main event begins in 2027.

Sources

• Reuters — Sailing-Italy dominate to win America’s Cup run-up regatta in Naples — September 27, 2026.
• The Star — Sailing-Italy dominate to win America’s Cup run-up regatta in Naples — September 28, 2026.