America's Cup in Cagliari: economic impact of 50 million

The countdown is over. And the four days of sailing and sea begin with the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup Preliminary Regatta Sardinia, which will see the first race in the Golfo degli Angeli, in the stretch of water in front of the port of Cagliari, opening the competition that will award the title in Naples in July 2027.

For four days, starting on 21 May and continuing until the 24th, there will be events involving both the sailing event and side activities. A particularly popular event for which a significant economic return is also expected in light of the investments. To support the event, the Region has invested 7 million euro that, as pointed out by Tourism Councillor Franco Cuccureddu, will generate an 'immediate economic impact of 50 million euro'.

Not only sailing but also a tribute to those who, over the years but especially in the past, have looked to the island as a tourist destination.

"We were very keen that this 38th America's Cup should start from Sardinia for two reasons in particular," Cuccureddu emphasises. "The first is that the first Italian challenge to the America's Cup, that of Azzurra, started from Sardinia, and so it seemed to us a way of honouring Karim Aga Khan, who had had the idea of linking the name of the island and that of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, precisely to Azzurra. The Ishmaelite prince had realised how powerful this promotional vehicle could be, capable of reaching thousands of people'.

There is also another aspect that looks to the future: 'For the past 12 years, Cagliari has hosted the base of Luna Rossa, the Italian challenger,' he adds. 'For us, this is also a test because if this experience proves particularly positive, Sardinia could also host the finals in the future. The choice is always up to the winner. So we wish Luna Rossa the best of luck".