Regatta Recap: the road to the America’s Cup begins in Sardinia
Monday 25 May 2026
Recomend this page
Thank you, we sent your recommendation to the desired recipient.
Sorry, this functionality is not available right now.
Please try with this link. Thank you.
Over the weekend, the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta was underway in Cagliari, Sardinia, marking the first official event on the Road to Naples 2027.
Two years after Barcelona 2024, where UniCredit was proud to be the Global Partner and Global Banking Partner of the America’s Cup, the boats are back on the water. This time in Italy – a first in the competition’s history.
Cagliari marks the first stop on the Road to Naples 2027 and at UniCredit, we are pleased to continue this partnership and bring one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions to our people, our clients, and to a country that is at the heart of our bank.
A historic moment for Italy – and Sardinia
At the opening ceremony in Cagliari, overlooking the Bay of Angels, the iconic America’s Cup and Louis Vuitton Cup trophies were unveiled, before a traditional folklore troupe led a procession to the Race Village, where teams were presented and the Regatta was officially declared open.
From there, the regatta moved onto the water for official practice races, with AC40 foiling yachts racing over two days in the bay – showcasing the speed, technology, precision and performance that define the competition.
Over the weekend, five out of the seven teams competing in the Cup next year took to the water, with early rivalries already emerging as crews tested performance and strategy in competitive racing conditions. For the first time, three Women & Youth teams joined the race, representing the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, the Challenger of Record, GB1, and the Italian Challenger, Luna Rossa.
Luna Rossa and Emirates Team New Zealand battled it out until the very end, but it was the hometown Italian favourites Luna Rossa who ultimately clinched the title.
WATCH OUR VIDEO
Looking ahead to Naples 2027
Cagliari is just the beginning for the America’s Cup. Last week, the official dates were announced for the next Preliminary Regatta in Naples, scheduled for 24 to 27 September, which will provide a preview of next year’s competition.
For UniCredit, as banking partner of the America’s Cup, this journey represents an opportunity to be part of a high-profile international platform that has impact beyond the competition, connecting sport, innovation, growth and driving positive outcomes for communities across Europe.
As the first races in Sardinia have shown, the journey is underway – and the road to the America’s Cup promises to be as exciting as the destination.
WATCH OUR GALLERY