With the Preliminary Regatta Sardinia (May 21–24), the curtain rises on the 38th America’s Cup. Although the results will not count toward the Challenger Selection Series or the final Match, the races in Cagliari officially mark the beginning of the America’s Cup campaign, which will reach its climax in Naples in the summer of 2027.

For the first time since the 2024 edition in Barcelona, we will see the Defender and Challengers officially compete against one another, offering a first look at the progress made by each team. Participating teams include Defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), COR GB1 (GBR), and challengers Luna Rossa (ITA), Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI), and La Roche-Posay Racing Team (FRA). The American Racing Challenger (USA) will not take part in the first Preliminary Regatta.

The boats used will be the AC40 One Design yachts, previously raced in Spain during the preliminary, Youth, and Women’s regattas. These foiling monohulls are capable of speeds exceeding 40 knots (around 50 mph). Because the boats are identical for all competitors, they will not reveal any details about the optimization work each team is carrying out on its AC75, the official America’s Cup yacht. Under the rules, each team may field up to two boats, including one crewed by a mixed youth and women’s team. In Cagliari, only Luna Rossa, ETNZ, and GB1 will race with two AC40s.

All eyes are on Luna Rossa, the only Italian team, which has based its operations in Cagliari since 2014. The team enters the opening event alongside new sponsors, including Frecciarossa - The high-speed train operated by Trenitalia (FS Group) - whose logo has just been added to the sails. But even though the challenger knows the racecourse and weather conditions in the Gulf of Angels extremely well, focus remains high and nothing is being taken for granted. Luna Rossa will face top-level opponents with extensive fleet racing experience and strong familiarity with the AC40.

«I’m very pleased that the opening regatta of the 38th America’s Cup will take place in our home base city», said Max Sirena, CEO of Luna Rossa. «Given the level of the teams competing, I don’t believe we’ll have a significant advantage over our rivals, but Cagliari is still a fantastic choice because it’s the ideal stage for this type of event. On the water, it offers one of the most spectacular racecourses in the world, both in terms of sailing conditions and scenery. On land, it’s a city waiting to be discovered, and I’m sure it will captivate both the teams and the fans coming to watch the racing. From a sporting perspective, this is an important test. After a year and a half, we’re finally getting back to competition, and this first head-to-head comparison will be extremely valuable. We have never stopped working since the end of the last campaign, and we can rely on an outstanding sailing team, including the winners of the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona, who have been training for months in preparation for this event. I believe we’ve achieved a very strong level of teamwork and confidence in our maneuvers, but we also know we’ll be facing teams of equal caliber. We are professionals, our goal is to win, and we will give everything in every race. I’m certain we’ll witness a highly competitive and exciting event».

Following the Practice Race on May 21, fleet races (up to three per day) are scheduled for May 22 and 23. On the final day, Sunday, May 24, two fleet races and a match-race final between the top two teams will take place.

The Luna Rossa sailors selected for the Preliminary Regatta Sardinia, with the final lineup to be chosen daily, are: Peter Burling (helmsman), Ruggero Tita (helmsman), Marco Gradoni (helmsman), Margherita Porro (helmswoman), Umberto Molineris (trimmer), Vittorio Bissaro (trimmer), Maria Giubilei (trimmer), Giovanni Santi (trimmer), Maria Vittoria Marchesini (trimmer), Gianluigi Ugolini (helmsman), Federico Colaninno (trimmer), and Massimiliano Antoniazzi (helmsman).

For spectators, the main activities will take place in the free-entry Race Village, equipped with a stage and giant screens. From the city waterfront to the Lazzaretto of Cagliari, the AC Viewing Promenade will offer views of the racecourse. Additional sailing activities organized by the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) will also be available, including the FIV Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa and the Para Sailing Academy for people with disabilities.

Italian fans will be able to follow the races live on TV starting May 22 on Rai 3, on Sky Italia and via the streaming platform NOW.