In a prestigious setting at the 17th-century Casino del Bel Respiro in Villa Doria Pamphilj, with the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the background, Italy officially welcomed the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup.

Presented by Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the ceremony marked the country’s formal hosting of the most renowned sailing event in the world.

Naples at the center of the Cup’s return to Italy
Gaetano Manfredi, Mayor of Naples, expressed gratitude and pride in the choice of Naples as the venue by Defender Emirates Team New Zealand:

“Today is a truly special day. The decision to defend the America’s Cup in Naples is a great honor and opportunity for our city. Naples has a historic bond with the sea and sailing. This year we celebrate 2,500 years since our foundation by the Greeks, who arrived by sea.”

He emphasized how the event supports the ongoing urban regeneration of the Bagnoli area, a future focal point for Naples.

Dalton: “Naples means history and passion – the Cup is a catalyst for growth”
Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand and America’s Cup Events, reiterated this message:

“Naples is history, Naples is passion. Hosting the America’s Cup here is an honor. We’ve seen how the event acts as a catalyst for investment, visibility, and innovation. At the last edition, 25% of all media coverage came from Italy.”

Dalton also acknowledged the twelve Italian America’s Cup campaigns, from Azzurra in 1983 to the most recent entry by Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.

Meloni: “This is more than sport – it’s education, economy, and society”
The keynote address came from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who celebrated Italy’s historic role as host for the first time:

“The America’s Cup is the oldest, most prestigious, and most innovative sailing trophy in the world – a unique combination of heritage and cutting-edge technology.”

She outlined a strategic vision for Italy’s South, using the Cup as a launchpad for investment, pride, and talent:

“We want to bring sailing into schools, linking it with STEM education – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – to create long-term value.”

She closed with a message of unity:

“This challenge is not only sporting – it is educational, economic, and social. And we will face it as Italians – with pride, with determination, and above all, with team spirit.”

A symbolic gesture and a national opportunity
At the end of the ceremony, the Prime Minister was presented with a scale model of Taihoro, the winning yacht from Emirates Team New Zealand.

The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup is set to become a powerful platform for visibility, innovation, and growth for Italy’s maritime and yachting sectors, with PressMare continuing to follow every step on the road to the Naples regattas.