By Magnus Wheatley
Table of Contents
It was the Italian writer, film director and actor Luciano De Crescenzo who famously said: “I have a concept of Naples that is not so much of a city, per se, but rather an ingredient of the human spirit that I detect in everyone, Neapolitan or not.” And what De Crescenzo was tapping into, and alluding, was an indomitable spirit that pervades and emanates from the stunning City of Naples, a city connected with the tranquillity of the sea yet a thriving, bustling, busy metropolis.
The Bay of Naples is the venue for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup and from a yachting perspective it is, as Grant Dalton CEO of Emirates team New Zealand described, “perfection.” For the AC75 and AC40 foiling yachts, Naples promises to deliver world-class, accessible sailing and the anticipation of what is about to unfold through 2026 via the Preliminary Regattas and into the Louis Vuitton Cup and America’s Cup Match in 2027, is palpable.
Memories are cherished of the America’s Cup World series Regattas held in Naples in 2012 and 2013 where it was estimated that one million people thronged to the promenade to catch a glimpse up-close of the yachts in action. For 2027, those numbers could well be exceeded, and this global hub of yachting is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the America’s cup teams to host them in typical, passionate Neapolitan style.
© ACEA / Photo Gilles Martin-Raget
What makes Naples such a special city is a combination of culture, geography and history that is totally unique. The backdrop of Vesuvius provides the spectacle whilst the islands of Capri and Ischia guard the Gulf of Naples, one of the purest natural amphitheatres for world-class yacht racing.The bay itself is imposing with the city of Naples and its sun-drenched architecture enveloping around the racecourse from the appointed base area of Bagnoli round to the castel dell ‘Ovo in front of a cluster of prestigious yacht clubs such as the Reale Yacht club Canottieri Savoia, the Club Nautico della vela and the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia.
Naples itself is steeped in a wonderful history both ancient and modern – read more about it below.
CASTEL DELL’OVO
One of the most imaginative neapolitan legends traces the castle’s name back to an egg that Virgil supposedly hid inside a cage in its underground chambers. The place where the egg was kept was secured with heavy locks and kept secret because, according to legend: “upon that egg depended all the deeds and the fortune of Castel dell’Ovo.” Today it dominates the Bay of Naples as a focal point of the southern end of the racecourse for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup; and also acting as the most remarkable entertainment venue and tourist attraction with bustling restaurants set in stone cobbled streets surrounding the Castel.
Artist’s impression – The new home of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup
BAGNOLI
Bagnoli’s name derives from the Latin ‘Balneolum,’ or ‘little baths,’ a reference to the thermal springs once found in the area, which gave it a spa-like reputation in antiquity. Over time, Bagnoli evolved from spa-adjacent farmland into a modern industrial powerhouse right on the sea, dominated by a steelworks factory. Today, it is undergoing a remarkable rebirth as a vibrant cultural and leisure district and will be the focal point for the team bases in the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup.
Furthermore,in Bagnoli,the Città della scienza (Fondazione IDIS) can be found.One of Italy’s leading interactive science centres, the museum combines permanent exhibitions, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and dynamic programmes that engage visitors with science.
The veiled Christ at Cappella Sansevero
Carved in 1753 by Giuseppe Sanmartino, it shows the figure of Christ lying under what looks like a piece of the thinnest of fabrics.The facial features are clearly visible, as are the body and even the crucifixion wounds, but the entire body is covered by the delicate folds of a cloth. The visual effect is truly stunning. There are two other sculptures of note in the Capella Sansevero, each dedicated to one of the parents of the man who commissioned them and built the chapel, but it’s the Veiled Christ which rightfully commands all the attention.
The National Archaeological Museum
Originally the museum was a horse-riding school, then the location of the university. The Archaeological Museum was inaugurated in 1816 and nowadays it’s one of the most important museums of the world because of the quality and quantity of works exposed. Manny of the objects come from excavations at Pompeii and other nearby archaeological sites.
Mount Vesuvius and the Pompeii Ruins
Mount Vesuvius known for covering Pompeii with ash, rock and lava 2,000 years ago, and which last erupted in 1944, is just 10 kilometres from Naples.There are tour buses that can take you directly, or for those who prefer to travel more independently, it is a short train trip and a bus. This is a Naples attraction not to be missed.
Piazza del Plebiscito
The largest piazza in Naples at six acres, this public space is a gathering spot for a casual stroll, a backdrop for large scale art installations, a phenomenal New year’s Eve party, and a stage for world famous singers and performers. Here visitors will find the palazzo Reale, a 30-room Royal House Museum, as well as Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III, the largest library in southern Italy.
Naples Cathedral
Dating back to the late 13th century, the cathedral has been altered considerably due to earthquakes and restoration, especially after the earthquake of 1456, but the 1407 doorway in the center of the front survived. In the south aisle is the sumptuous 17th-century chapel of San Gennaro, Patron Saint of Naples. On its main altar, a silver bust contains the skull of the saint, who was martyred in 305 CE, in the time of Diocletian. in the tabernacle are two vessels containing the saint’s blood, which is believed to have the power of liquefaction, celebrated with solemn ceremonies in the cathedral each September.
Capodimonte Royal Palace and Museum
In 1738 Charles of Bourbon decided to transform his hunting lodge located in the wood of Capodimonte into a Royal Palace and Museum in order to host the Farnese Collection received from his mother. The museum contains masterpieces of Tiziano, Botticelli, Rafaello, Brueghel the Elder, Andrea del Sarto, Ribera, Goya, Pinturicchio, Vasari, Alberto Burri, Mario Me## Naples to host the 38th America’s Cup in 2027
For the first time, both the Louis Vuitton Cup (the Challenger Selection Series) and the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Match will be held in Italy, a nation with a long and passionate history with the prestigious sailing competition. Naples, the capital of the Campania region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been selected as the Host City for the 38th America’s Cup, scheduled for 2027.
The competition will unfold against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Vesuvius and along the waterfront of this vibrant and historically rich city. Naples, one of Europe’s oldest cities, offers a unique setting for the world’s oldest international sports trophy. [https://www.americascup.com/news/naples-to-host-the-38th-america-s-cup](https://www.americascup.com/news/naples-to-host-the-38th-america-s-cup)
The America’s Cup is a fiercely contested yacht race, pitting the best sailing teams from around the globe against each other. The competition is divided into two stages: the Louis vuitton Cup, where challengers compete to earn the right to face the Defender (the current America’s Cup holder), and the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Match, the final race to determine the winner.
Currently, Emirates team New Zealand is the Defender, having won the 37th America’s cup in Auckland, New Zealand in 2024. [https://www.americascup.com/](https://www.americascup.com/) The selection of naples as the 2027 venue signifies a shift in location and a commitment to bringing the event to new audiences.
the choice of Naples is expected to generate important economic benefits for the region, boosting tourism and showcasing Italy’s maritime heritage. The event promises to add to the America’s Cup’s legacy of myth, rivalry, and technological innovation.[https://www.marinebusinessnews.com.au/news/naples-to-host-the-38th-americas-cup-in-2027/](https://www.marinebusinessnews.com.au/news/naples-to-host-the-38th-americas-cup-in-2027/)
All eyes will be back on the beautiful city of Naples as they will host the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup and welcome the world. Photo: © Stefano Albamonte / Comune di Napoli / America’s Cup
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