The Event

THE EVENT

  • Media ID-27233

    LOUIS VUITTON 38TH AMERICA’S CUP
    PRELIMINARY REGATTA SARDINIA

    The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Sardinia officially marks the start of the thrilling ‘Road to Naples 2027’ with the port city of Cagliari hosting the regatta from the 21st - 24th May 2026. 

    The on-water action on the stunning Bay of Angels will be spectacular, mirrored by what is planned shoreside for the large number of fans expected to travel to Sardinia, one of the most beautiful islands in the world with outstanding natural beauty and perfect sailing conditions. Sardinia truly is a gem of the Mediterranean.

  • Media ID-27234

    ABOUT THE REGATTA

    For the sailing teams of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, the Sardinia Preliminary Regatta is a first opportunity to check in the opposition and victory here gives the winning team momentum as they continue their preparations for Naples in 2027. 

    Sailing fully equalised ‘one-design’ AC40 yachts that are capable of speeds in excess of 40+ knots, the racing will be fast and furious initially as the yachts sail together in a series of 11 fleet races. The top-two teams then bring the regatta to a thrilling crescendo on the final day with a one-on-one match race for glory.

RACE VILLAGE

RACE VILLAGE

Shoreside in the port city of Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, fans are in for a treat. Visitors will be able to take in the dedicated free-to-enter Race Village where the main stage will be housed for sailor presentations alongside a full entertainment programme.

Right in front of the main stage, on a daily basis both before and after racing at least one AC40 will be docked alongside for fans to admire whilst within the Race Village there will be plenty of food and beverage concessions as well as the official merchandise store.

For those wishing to stay within the Race Village, large screens will show every second of the racing but for those that would like to see the racing live, the FanZone Lazzaretto will have a direct vantage point out to the two possible racecourse areas. These designated zones are approximately two kilometres in diameter and close to the shoreline, depending on the wind direction.

Also along the FanZone Lazzaretto, sailing activities managed by the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV), include Alessandra Sensini’s Foil Academy and the Para Sailing Academy for sailing with disabilities. It is anticipated that the majority of the local sailing clubs will also be involved whilst also along the FanZone there will be large screens and food and beverage options. Both the Race Village and the FanZone are expected to open from 11:00 on race days, and close by 19:00 local time.

SCHEDULE & FORMAT

SCHEDULE & RACE FORMAT

  • Media ID-27238

    Thursday 21st May: Official Practice Day

    Friday 22nd May: Up to 4 fleet races

    Saturday 23rd May: Up to 4 fleet races

    Sunday 24th May: Up to 3 fleet races before the ‘Match-Race’ Final between the top two boats after 11 scheduled fleet races

     

  • Media ID-16822

    CONFIRMED ENTRIES

     

    ETNZEmirates Team New Zealand
    ETNZEmirates Team New Zealand Women & Youth 

    GBGB1
    GBAthena Pathway (Women & Youth)

    ITALuna Rossa
    ITALuna Rossa Women & Youth

    SWITudor Team Alinghi

    FRALa Roche-Posay Racing Team

  • Media ID-27196

    RACE FORMAT

    The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Sardinia has no bearing on the overall standings for the main event in Naples in 2027, yet all teams are eyeing glory to build racing momentum into their campaigns as well as an early psychological advantage.

    Sailing this first regatta of the new cycle in fully equalised AC40 yachts, the pocket-rocket little brothers and sisters to the mighty AC75s, the teams of four per boat (two helms, two trimmers), will complete up to eleven fleet races to decide the final two who will face off in a match-race to crown the winner.

    Uniquely for this Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup cycle, teams are permitted to enter a  second AC40 yacht crewed by members of their Youth & Women’s teams. It is expected that the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand, the Challenger of Record GB1 and the Italian Challenger Luna Rossa will all field two teams for Sardinia. Tudor Team Alinghi and K-Challenge, are expected to send just one team to the regatta making the fleet eight-strong in total.

How to Watch

HOW TO WATCH

FROM LAND

The main activation is in the free-to-enter Race Village which will contain a main stage and giant screens but doesn’t have a direct view of the racecourse. From the city and all along the waterfront up to the Lazzaretto di Cagliari will be the AC Viewing Promenade with views out towards the racecourse and a large screen where there will be sailing activities managed by the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV), including Alessandra Sensini’s Foil Academy and the Para Sailing Academy for sailing with disabilities.

FROM THE WATER

Areas around the racecourse in Cagliari will be dedicated to yachts and small crafts. If you plan to get on the water amongst the action, then you MUST visit our on-water information page and register your boat. Superyachts should contact us here to be coordinated into the America’s Cup Superyacht Official Programme.

ON-SCREEN

The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Sardinia has partnered with broadcasters in many territories including RAI, Italy's public national broadcaster, and the RACING will go LIVE at 2:00 pm (14:00 CEST). You can also catch it LIVE on the official America’s Cup Facebook and YouTube pages, as well as www.americascup.com. If you missed the races or want to relive the action, full replays are available immediately after the racing finishes.

DISCOVER SARDINIA

DISCOVER SARDINIA

Sardinia is one of the most beautiful islands not just in the Mediterranean but in the world. From top to bottom there is so much to see and discover. For the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Sardinia, the sailing will be hosted in the capital of Sardinia, Cagliari where visitors can find picturesque historical districts with sea views, elegant shopping streets and panoramic terraces, including the bastione di Santa Croce, a great place for a romantic evening after a fiery sunset. The city’s history goes back thousands of years, from pre-historic times to the reign of the Savoy.

Take a dip at Poetto, the city’s 8 km long soft sandy beach along which there is a walking trail and cycling path. Even at night, when it reveals its more glamorous side, it is a delight. You can take an excursion to Calamosca and Sella del Diavolo from Poetto. And, finally, there is the local cuisine to be enjoyed, spaghetti with bottarga (cured mullet or tuna roe) and artichokes, burrida made with catshark and walnuts, and fregula con cocciula, balls of semola with clams.

Sardinia An Extraordinary World

 

LOUIS VUITTON 38TH AMERICA'S CUP PRELIMINARY REGATTA SARDINIA
HOST PARTNERS