America’s Cup: work in Nisida and Bagnoli is proceeding according to schedule
The American team has also arrived on the island: training sessions in the gulf have begun in the run-up to the pre-regatta, which will take place from 24 to 27 September
With the America’s Cup approaching, the date set for the pre-regatta on 24 September in Naples is drawing nearer and the organisational machine is stepping up a gear: from now on, the steering committee itself will meet more frequently, at least once a month. Work is proceeding according to schedule: this was the main message to emerge from the Venue Board meeting held at the Prefecture in Naples. Meanwhile, the American Racing Challenger Team USA has also arrived in Nisida ahead of the first preliminary race: all teams are now present, with the exception of the Australian team, which will not take part in the competition until 2027.
The board meeting was attended by three members appointed by the Government (including the Prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari), the Chief Executive of Sport e Salute, Diego Nepi Molineris, and the Mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi. Also present were Marzio Perrelli, CEO of the America’s Cup Partnership – the joint governing body responsible for the sporting and commercial management of the sailing competition – and representatives of the law enforcement agencies.
“We are right on schedule,” said the mayor of Naples. “The Nisida base is fully operational. “We expect to have everything in place for the Bagnoli base to become operational by early October,” added Manfredi, “and so we hope to see the first AC75s in the waters off Naples in October.”
Marzio Perrelli, CEO of the America’s Cup Partnership, confirmed: “What was set out in writing is happening,” he said. “The schedule is being adhered to, and the teams are very happy with the city, both in terms of infrastructure and hospitality. This is no small feat when you consider that, at full capacity, we’ll be hosting between 3,000 and 4,000 people.”
Very little organisational information was revealed at the end of the meeting at the Prefecture. ‘Along the seafront,’ explained Manfredi, ‘there will be a raised platform offering a better view of the race course. We’ll be using the pre-regatta as a major test: we’ve organised it specifically because it allows us to see what works, but also what doesn’t.’ Manfredi also explained that the viewing points will be expanded: “We plan not only to set up areas along the seafront, but also to create viewing points as you head towards Posillipo, ensuring widespread access.” Access will be free, including to the race village and facilities, but – as the mayor pointed out – “access will be restricted as there is also a security issue”.
