The America's Cup countdown begins in Naples: the large clock in Piazza Vittoria is lit up for 2027.

Naples officially begins the countdown to the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup. The large clock that will mark the months separating the city from the 2027 event has been turned on in Piazza Vittoria, transforming one of the symbolic locations on the Neapolitan waterfront into the first major meeting point between the city and the prestigious sailing competition.

A moment of strong symbolic value: behind the square lies Naples, in front lies the sea, and right on the stretch of water in front of the city lies the race course that will host the first races in the coming days.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, the Mayor of Naples Gaetano Manfredi, the President of the Campania Region Roberto Fico, the President of Sport and Health Marco Mezzaroma, the CEO of Sport and Health Diego Nepi Molineris, the CEO of America's Cup Partnership Marzio Perrelli and the top management of Ace.

THE FIRST REGATTAS ON THE GULF

The countdown arrives on the eve of an important first opportunity to see the competition boats in action on the race course.

The preliminary regattas are scheduled from Thursday to Sunday. Naples is thus preparing for a series of days where sport, sea, technology, and the public will meet along the Gulf coast.

In this context, Piazza Vittoria takes on a central role: the large clock will not only be a scenic element, but will also represent the visible link between the city and an event destined to project Naples onto the international sailing scene.

ABODI: "WE WANT TO DESERVE 2029 TOO"

And looking beyond 2027, Minister Andrea Abodi has set an even more ambitious goal: to ensure that Naples can also apply to host the 39th America's Cup in 2029.

"The goal is to make this 38th America's Cup an extraordinary one that will allow us to deserve the 39th as well," Abodi explained on the sidelines of the lighting of the clock in Piazza Vittoria.

The minister emphasized that a potential bid for 2029 will depend on the ability to best organize next year's event. "The future is built in the present," he observed, pointing to the organization of the next edition as the basis for subsequently addressing the competition's venue.

THE GOAL: "TO REMAIN IN NAPLES"

Abodi then emphasized the desire to consolidate the America's Cup presence in Naples: "Our first goal is to remain in Naples."

A goal that, according to the minister, should not be measured solely on a sporting level. The event's legacy is linked to a broader vision of the city's development, with particular attention to the maritime economy, applied technology, and opportunities for the younger generations.

SPORT, MARINE ECONOMY AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The America's Cup, therefore, is presented as an opportunity that goes beyond the days of racing. The 2027 event could become a test of Naples' ability to host a major international event and, at the same time, a project with medium-term implications.

It is precisely on this terrain that the vision outlined by Abodi comes into play: using competition to strengthen the city's relationship with the sea, develop skills and technologies, and create new opportunities, especially for young people.

Meanwhile, the large clock in Piazza Vittoria has begun ticking away. The countdown to 2027 has officially begun, and Naples is preparing for the first regattas, already looking ahead to a possible even longer future in the name of the America's Cup.