Naples will host the 2027 America’s Cup, cementing Italy’s maritime heritage, soft-power credentials and strategic influence in the Mediterranean
A proud maritime nation. On Thursday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that Naples will host the 2027 America’s Cup, the world’s most prestigious sailing regatta.
- “Choosing Italy fills us with pride—it honours the very identity of our nation,” she declared, underscoring the sea’s vital role for Italy.
- “The sea is history, identity and culture, but also an indispensable pillar of our economy,” she added, citing Italy’s leadership in yacht building, shipping, cruise lines and the broader blue economy.
- The event will accelerate the government’s redevelopment plan for Bagnoli, transforming it into a modern tourist, leisure and commercial hub.
Geopolitical waters. Hosting the America’s Cup is about more than sport; it reinforces Italy’s soft-power influence and showcases Naples as a Mediterranean gateway.
- Governments often leverage major sporting events to advance foreign-policy objectives, attract diplomatic delegations, and highlight strategic coastal assets, enhancing Italy’s standing within the EU and wider global maritime networks.
- The Italian Navy’s historic sail training vessel, Nave Vespucci, is currently moored in Naples, directly before the NATO base, underscoring the city’s enduring maritime and strategic importance.
Economic windfall for Naples. A study by Unimpresa forecasts that the 2027 America’s Cup could generate over €690 million in economic benefits for Naples and its region, through direct, indirect and induced impacts.
- Based on projections from Barcelona 2024 adapted to the Campania context, the city may attract between 1.5 and 1.7 million visitors over the 60-day event, including 400,000–500,000 international sailing enthusiasts.
