Naples is bracing for large crowds as it prepares to host the second Preliminary Regatta of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup cycle, four days of racing that will bring the fleet to the Bay of Naples from 24 to 27 September.
To cater for the fans, the free-to-all Official Race Village has been extended along the Lungomare Caracciolo, giving spectators plenty of vantage points to watch the action unfold.
The main stage anchors the regatta's atmosphere. From 25 to 27 September, hosted dock-out and dock-in shows will run at midday and 5pm CEST daily, bringing sailors and teams close to the fans. Thursday 24 September is the Official Practice Day, and all teams will be presented on stage at 6.30pm CEST once they're off the water.
The main stage will also host local musical performances after the Teams Presentation and dock-in shows each day. On Sunday 27 September, the winners of the event, along with the winners in the Women's and Youth rankings, will be presented with trophies.
The Race Village offers more besides the racing. A food court serves an extensive range of cuisine, and the merchandise shop is expected to do brisk business in team colours. Down on the beach in front of the main stage, a beach bar will be set up for spectators to use, right by the water.
Numerous sponsor and experiential installations will be on-site throughout the Race Village, which opens daily from 11am across the four days. Closing times vary: 9pm CEST on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 September, 8.30pm CEST on Saturday 26 September, and 10pm CEST on Sunday 27 September.
Large screens in the Race Village and along the Lungomare Caracciolo will show live broadcast coverage. Fans can also follow the action with no delay via the America's Cup Radio Channel, a web-based application accessible at americascup.livefeed.fm.
Racing starts each day at 2pm CEST. Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September will each see three fleet races, with two further fleet races on Sunday 27 September rounding out eight races in total, scored on a points basis with ten points for a win.
The top two boats after the fleet racing will advance to a one-on-one match racing final, where the winner will be crowned champion after what promises to be an intense regatta.
