Emirates Team New Zealand have completed their first training session in the Bay of Naples, taking two AC40 foiling monohulls out onto the exact racecourse that will host the 2027 America's Cup Match.
The team sailed in a 10 to 15 knot sea breeze right off the Naples waterfront, with Mount Vesuvius and the historic Castel dell'Ovo forming the backdrop. It is a sharp contrast to the wintery conditions on Auckland's Waitematā Harbour, where the squad has been training on their AC75 in recent weeks.
The timing is deliberate. Early July aligns with the window in which the 2027 America's Cup Match will be sailed, giving the team the opportunity to gather race data and build familiarity with the conditions they are most likely to face when they return to defend the Auld Mug. For a team chasing a fourth consecutive America's Cup victory, understanding this racecourse is critical.
The camp carries a more immediate purpose as well. Two-boat AC40 racing also serves as preparation for the second Preliminary Regatta in Naples, scheduled for 24 to 27 September 2026, where the fleet is expected to be larger and more competitive than anything seen at previous preliminary events.
Skipper Nathan Outteridge was enthusiastic after the first day on the water. "It really is very special to be out here. To get a first-hand look at the racecourse and start feeling out the conditions in the exact window we'll be racing in next year is a massive opportunity for us. While we have come here to learn about the course, sailing and racing both of our AC40s, is also helping prepare for the event later in September so we'll be getting into some more detailed sailing over the coming weeks and maximising our time while we're here.
"We had a really good first day. Two boats out there on the racecourse for the first time with beautiful sailing conditions. A really good sea breeze came through around midday, and we were straight into it, so overall it was a solid first day here in Naples."
Flight Controller Andy Maloney highlighted the value of the two-boat format. "Having both AC40s out here allows us to push each other and really explore the nuances of the bay. The environment is world-class, and it's a privilege to be sailing in such an historic setting on Naples' waters for the first time. A real excitement from the entire team to get our first opportunity to scope out the race track for the 38th America's Cup. It's a pretty spectacular location with the city of Naples spanning up the surrounding hills and Mount Vesuvius in the background. We have only just got off the water but are already looking forward to getting back out there and continuing to learn about this awesome venue."
COO Kevin Shoebridge spoke about the reception from the local community and the competitive challenge ahead. "Being in Naples is a reminder of why the 38th America's Cup will be such a special event, but also how tough it is going to be on the water with six strong Challengers all competing with the sole objective of winning the America's Cup in just over one year. The city has opened its arms to us, and the people we have met have been so immensely welcoming. It's a city that breathes sport and culture, and we are already feeling the intensity and the history that this place brings to the America's Cup."
The team will continue sailing in Naples over the coming weeks, refining their systems and building knowledge of the Napoli racecourse. Back in Auckland, the wider team is pressing ahead with the design and development of the AC75 ahead of a resumption of on-water testing.
