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America’s Cup in Naples, sailing instructions issued for September

Nine AC40s will race in the Bay of Naples from 24 to 27 September during the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta

New Sailing Instructions define eight fleet races, nine AC40s and a final match for the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Naples

Naples is moving another step closer to the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup. The Sailing Instructions have now been issued for the Preliminary Regatta scheduled from 24 to 27 September 2026, setting out race procedures, wind limits, scoring and operational rules for one of the key events leading towards the 2027 America’s Cup.

Beyond the technical regulations, the document also gives a clearer picture of what spectators can expect in the Bay of Naples. Nine AC40s will share the starting line, with short fleet races, tight schedules and procedures designed to maintain continuity both on the water and throughout the broadcast programme.

Two weeks of preparation before racing begins

The build-up will start well before the first official race. From 9 to 15 September, teams will be allowed to line up against one another during the official practice period under the supervision of the Regatta Director.

A further three days of official practice racing are scheduled from 23 to 25 September, with Race Management operating on the water and the umpires already in position. These sessions will reproduce a live racing environment and allow teams and organisers to test software, broadcast systems and race procedures before competition gets fully underway.

The delay card disappears from fleet racing

One of the most notable changes from the earlier Preliminary Regatta in Sardinia concerns the delay card.

Teams were previously able to request a five-minute postponement before a fleet race if they experienced a technical problem onboard. That option has been removed for Naples fleet racing.

A five-minute delay may now be requested only before the final match between the two leading boats following the eight-race fleet series. The change is intended to keep racing more closely aligned with the planned schedule and broadcast window.

Nine AC40s competing for the same piece of water

Seeing nine AC40s approaching the starting line together should create a very different spectacle from the traditional one-on-one match racing long associated with the America’s Cup.

Each fleet-race winner will receive 10 points, with the score decreasing by one point through the fleet until the ninth boat receives two points. After eight races, the top two teams will progress to a final match.

The format leaves little room for hesitation. A poor start, an inefficient manoeuvre or the wrong tactical decision can quickly move a boat several places down the fleet.

Short races designed to keep the pace high

Each race will have a maximum duration of 25 minutes. Once the leading boat has finished, the remaining competitors must cross the line within five minutes, while in lighter conditions the seven-minute time limit to the first mark remains in place.

The courses will once again use windward-leeward configurations with gates at both ends. Race Management will be able to select shorter or longer versions depending on wind strength, while every race will finish on a downwind leg. At least two legs must be completed for a race to count.

From 7.5 to 21 knots, with sea state also playing its part

Racing is scheduled within a 7.5 to 21-knot true wind range, measured by Race Management over a two-minute period.

Wind, however, is not the only factor when foiling boats are involved. The Race Director also has the authority to cancel racing if sea conditions are considered unsuitable for foiling.

That could add another dimension in the Bay of Naples. Wind direction, waves and the position of the course can all influence how effectively an AC40 stays on its foils and how aggressively crews are able to sail.

Naples becomes a preview of the 2027 America’s Cup

September’s Preliminary Regatta will inevitably be about more than the immediate results. Naples is also set to host the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in 2027, making this event an early opportunity for teams, organisers and spectators to experience the future race venue in competitive conditions.

For four days, the Bay will effectively become a full-scale testing ground. Teams will gather data and race directly against their rivals, Race Management will refine procedures and spectators along the shoreline will get an early sense of what high-speed foiling competition looks like against the backdrop of Naples.

September will therefore be more than another event on the calendar. It will offer the first substantial preview of what the city is preparing to host in 2027.

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(c) America’s Cup

12 August 2026
© MED Yachting Editorial Team
America’s Cup in Naples, sailing instructions issued for September
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The information in this article has been sourced from and adapted from official sources and/or press releases, in accordance with our editorial code of ethics.