Home America's Cup AC38 Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup partnership launched in Naples October 12, 2024. Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup, Race Day 1. Photo Credit: AC37 media AC38 Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup partnership launched in Naples Louis Vuitton renews as headline sponsor as teams formalise a new America’s Cup Partnership and confirm Naples 2027 match dates. Written by Chris Woodhams 22 January 2026 The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup moved into its next phase this week in Naples, with the formal launch of the America’s Cup Partnership and confirmation that Louis Vuitton will continue as headline sponsor. The audience at the Palazzo Reale. Photo credit: AC media Held inside the Palazzo Reale, the presentation brought together teams, organisers, and international media to mark the start of what has been branded the Road to Naples. Beyond the ceremony, the message was clear. This cycle is about structural change as much as sailing. A new framework for the Cup At the centre of the announcement was the creation of the America’s Cup Partnership, or ACP, a new governance body formed by the competing teams. The Partnership introduces shared decision making and neutral management, aimed at improving long term stability and commercial confidence. January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Photo credit: AC media Five teams are confirmed as founding ACP members and challengers: Emirates Team New Zealand , GB1 as Challenger of Record, Luna Rossa , Tudor Team Alinghi , and K-Challenge . - Advertisement, article continues below - The intent is to move the Cup away from fragmented control and towards a model that better supports teams, sponsors, and broadcasters alike. https://images.boatingnz.online/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/22115416/SHOEBRIDGE-AND-AINSLIE.mp4 Louis Vuitton recommits Louis Vuitton’s renewal as headline sponsor reinforces that shift. The brand’s involvement stretches back to 1983 and the creation of the Louis Vuitton Cup, a moment that reshaped the modern America’s Cup. Chief Executive Officer Pietro Beccari framed the renewed partnership as backing a more modern and inclusive future, while underlining the significance of Italy hosting the event for the first time. For the Cup, the message is simple. A major global brand has looked at the new structure and chosen to stay. - Advertisement, article continues below - Dates locked in for Naples 2027 Grant Dalton, Chief Executive of Emirates Team New Zealand, confirmed the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Match will open with two races on Saturday 10 July 2027, with racing expected to conclude over the weekend of 17 and 18 July 2027. January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Photo credit: AC media With dates now set, planning across the entire event accelerates, from boat design timelines through to broadcast and commercial programmes. Italian backing and the Road to Naples Italian government and sporting leaders used the launch to underline strong institutional support, highlighting media reach, urban regeneration, and the opportunity to position Naples and the Gulf as a world class sailing venue. January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth. Photo credit: AC media The focus, however, quickly returned to the water. Cagliari was confirmed as the venue for the first Preliminary Regatta, providing the opening competitive step on the Road to Naples. Aotearoa’s presence and a reset moment A cultural welcome led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei marked one of the most distinctive moments of the presentation. Representing the Defender and Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the iwi formally recognised the creation of the ACP and presented pounamu taonga to the founding teams. 1 of 13 January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Photo credit: AC media January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Sir Ben Ainslie, Team Principal of the Challenger of Record GB1, receives the Pounamu taonga (Greenstone treasures) from the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Sir Ben Ainslie, Team Principal of the Challenger of Record GB1 during the Maori salut with the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Kevin Shoebridge,COO of Emirates Team New Zealand during the Maorí salut with the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei ceremony. January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Kevin Shoebridge,COO of Emirates Team New Zealand receives the Pounamu taonga (Greenstone treasures) from the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Max Sirena, CEO of Luna Rossa during the Maorí salut with the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Ernesto Bertarelli, Team Owner Tudor Team Alinghi during the Maori salut with the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Stephan Kandler, Founder & co-CEO of K-Challenge during the Maori salut with the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Ernesto Bertarelli, Team Owner Tudor Team Alinghi during the Maori salut with the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei January 21, 2026 Naples. America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) announcement at Palazzo Reale in Naples. Sir Ben Ainslie, Team Principal of the Challenger of Record GB1 during the Maori salut with the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Both Dalton and Challenger of Record Sir Ben Ainslie described the Partnership as a reset for the America’s Cup. A move toward clearer governance, closer racing, and stronger commercial footing. With teams confirmed, dates locked, and a new framework in place, the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup has moved from announcement to action. The Road to Naples has begun.
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.boatingnz.co.nz