The oldest trophy in international sport, The America’s Cup aka the “Auld Mug”, is returning to Cagliari, Sardinia, this weekend (May 21–24, 2026) for the first Preliminary Regatta on the “Road to Naples.” This event marks the first time since the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona that the full fleet will compete together, utilizing the high-speed, one-design AC40 foiling yachts.
While the elite primary teams are the main draw, the hydrofoil catamaran regatta features a unique format where teams can field a second boat crewed by Youth and Women sailors, providing a glimpse into the next generation of foiling talent. With “champagne conditions” forecasted for the Bay of Angels, the event promises both world-class technical racing and a vibrant festival atmosphere for the local community and visiting fans.
For the sailing teams of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, the Sardinia Preliminary Regatta is a first opportunity to check in the opposition and victory here gives the winning team momentum as they continue their preparations for Naples in 2027.
Sailing fully equalized ‘one-design’ AC40 yachts that are capable of speeds in excess of 40+ knots, the racing will be fast and furious initially as the yachts sail together in a series of 8 fleet races. The top two teams then bring the regatta to a thrilling crescendo on the final day with a one-on-one match race for glory.
Event Highlights & Schedule
- High-Speed Fly-Bys: On race days (Friday–Sunday), teams will perform dramatic, close-to-shore “fly-bys” at 2:15 PM. The FanZone Lazzaretto offers the best vantage point to see the boats “flying” on their foils at full speed before racing begins.
- Race Village (Via Roma): The heart of the event, the Race Village opens daily at 12:00 PM and is free to the public. It features:
- Up-Close Access: At least five AC40 yachts will be docked just off the village for public viewing.
- Entertainment: Pre-race shows (1:00 PM) and dock-out shows (1:30 PM) hosted by Rachele Vitello and Jesse Tuke.
- Post-Race Interaction: “Dock-in” shows at 6:00 PM allow fans to see the sailors return, hear interviews, and collect autographs.
- FIV Foil Academy: Located near the village, this academy offers static exhibitions and interactive sessions from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (closed during race times) for those looking to learn about foiling technology.
- Live Music & Culture: Every evening from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, local musical talent will perform on the Main Stage, celebrating Sardinian culture alongside the international sporting event.
Scoring & Format
The regatta uses a high-point scoring system to reward consistency. The winner of a fleet race receives 10 points, second place gets 9, and so on. This ensures that a single mistake can drastically shift the leaderboard before the final match race on Sunday.
To watch the high-stakes racing as the “Road to Naples” kicks off, you have several options depending on your location and preference for digital or traditional broadcast.
The upcoming Preliminary Regatta in Sardinia (May 21–24, 2026) serves as the primary lead-up to the main 38th America’s Cup events in Naples.
Where to Watch Live (Global & Local)
- Official YouTube Channel: The easiest way to watch for free worldwide is the Official America’s Cup YouTube Channel. They have already scheduled live streams for each day of racing.
- Official Website: Live racing, along with real-time telemetry and 3D graphics, will be available at AmericasCup.com.
- Italy (Host Nation): Since the Cup is coming to Italy, coverage is extensive. You can watch live on Sky Italia and stream via the NOW platform.
- New Zealand: Fans can watch the defense of the Auld Mug live and free-to-air on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, with replays available on TVNZ DUKE.
Race Schedule (Cagliari/Naples Time – CEST)
Racing is scheduled to take place between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM local time (CEST).
| Day | Date | Event Type |
| Thursday | May 21 | Official Practice Day (Crucial for testing setups) |
| Friday | May 22 | Fleet Races 1–3 (All 8 boats on the line) |
| Saturday | May 23 | Fleet Races 4–6 (Points are tallied) |
| Sunday | May 24 | Final Fleet Races + Match Race Final |
The platform serves as a high-tech portal providing live race tracking, technical deep-dives into foiling physics, and behind-the-scenes content on the elite teams vying for sailing’s ultimate prize.
The Road to the 38th America’s Cup
The competition cycle is currently in its “Preliminary” phase. These regattas serve as crucial testing grounds for teams to hone their skills and test equipment before the main event in Naples.
- Upcoming Event: The Preliminary Regatta Sardinia (May 2026). This is the first time the full fleet has raced together since Barcelona.
- The Format: Racing begins with multiple Fleet Races (all boats on the line at once) and culminates in a winner-takes-all Match Race Final on Sunday between the top two teams.
- Race Village Experience: The website highlights “FanZones” and interactive exhibits where the public can watch “fly-bys”—where boats pass close to the shore at speeds exceeding 50 knots.
Foiling Technology: “Flying” on Water
The America’s Cup is as much an aerospace challenge as it is a sailing one. The website details the two primary classes of yachts currently in use:
- The AC75: The “big brother” of the fleet. These are 75-foot foiling monohulls that use massive T-foils to lift the entire hull out of the water. For the 38th edition, “Cyclors” (sailors who pedaled to create hydraulic pressure) have been replaced by stored energy systems and batteries, though the crew still includes a minimum of one female sailor.
- The AC40: A smaller, 40-foot “One Design” boat. Because every AC40 is built to the exact same specifications, these races are purely about the skill of the sailors rather than the budget of the design team. They are used for Preliminary Regattas and the Women’s and Youth America’s Cups.
- The Physics: By using hydrofoils, the boats eliminate hull drag, allowing them to sail at speeds 3 to 4 times faster than the wind itself. Top speeds have recently surpassed 55 knots (over 100 km/h).
The Competitors: Global Titans
The 38th edition features a mix of legendary defenders and ambitious new challengers.
| Team | Country | Role | Notable Fact |
| Emirates Team New Zealand | New Zealand | Defender | The current trophy holders and the team to beat. |
| GB1 (INEOS Britannia) | United Kingdom | Challenger of Record | Led by Sir Ben Ainslie; they set the rules for this edition with the Defender. |
| Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli | Italy | Challenger | Based in Cagliari; they are the local favorites for the Sardinia regatta. |
| Alinghi Red Bull Racing | Switzerland | Challenger | Two-time winners making a strong push with high-tech partnerships. |
| La Roche-Posay Racing | France | Challenger | The French entry, formerly known as Orient Express Team. |
| American Racing | USA | Challenger | A late-entry challenger aiming to bring the Cup back to the United States. |
Interesting “Deep Dive” Features
- Women’s & Youth Cups: The website heavily promotes the expansion of the sport. The Puig Women’s America’s Cup was a historic first in the 37th edition, and it remains a core pillar of the 38th cycle to ensure a pathway for female and young athletes.
- Hydrogen Support Boats: In a push for sustainability, the event requires teams to use hydrogen-powered foiling chase boats. These “HSV” (Hydrogen Support Vessels) can keep up with the race boats at 50 knots without leaving a carbon footprint.
- Guest Racer Spot: A unique new rule allows a “Guest Racer” to sit in a dedicated cockpit during certain races, providing a non-sailor with the most intense seat in world sports.
Visit America’s Cup website for more information
