Naples is getting ready to host one of the symbols of the Italian Navy: from September 20 to 25, the Amerigo Vespucci will call at the city, mooring at the Naples Station of the Maritime—Beverello Pier, for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Naples, scheduled from September 24 to 27.
The Naples stop marks a new chapter in the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour – North America Campaign 2026, an initiative that has seen the Navy’s training ship in action since last May and now approaches the culmination of the campaign. After returning to the Mediterranean and stopping in Cagliari and Castellammare di Stabia, from September 17 to 19, the Vespucci will thus reach Naples for an international sailing event.
On September 23 the America’s Cup trophy will be aboard
The centerpiece of the Naples stop is scheduled for September 23, when a delegation from the teams participating in the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Napoli will board the Vespucci, thanks to the collaboration with Sport e Salute.
It will be an occasion to mark the start of the second Preliminary Regatta and to underscore the special bond between two symbols inseparably linked to the history of navigation and sailing. On board will return the America’s Cup trophy, regarded as the oldest international sports trophy still fiercely contested.
Its origins go back to 1848, when an elegant silver punch bowl was made in London: the trophy took on the name America’s Cup after the victory of the yacht America in 1851, during the fleet race around the Isle of Wight, in the United Kingdom. Since then it has become a world icon of sailing, linked to more than 170 years of challenges among great yacht clubs, innovation, and passion for the sea.
On board also the institutional dignitaries
The day of September 23 will also see the presence of several institutional figures and representatives from the world of sport and the Navy. On board the American Vespucci are expected the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto, the Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, the Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy Vice Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, the CEO of Difesa Servizi Luca Andreoli, the President of Sport e Salute Marco Mezzaroma, the CEO of Sport e Salute Diego Nepi Molineris, and the CEO of America’s Cup Partnership Marzio Perrelli.
Also aboard the Vespucci, the Commander of the Navy’s Logistic Command, Vice Admiral Vincenzo Montanaro, Luca Andreoli, and Barcolana Chairman Mitja Gialuz will announce the closing of the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour – North America Campaign 2026 in Trieste during the 58th Barcolana, and will present the schedule of the related events.
The Vespucci opens its doors to visitors
The Vespucci’s presence in Naples is also a chance for the public to engage with the vessel: the ship will be open for visits on September 21, 22, and 24. Visits are free, but require reservation. The access details and how to secure a spot are available on the official site of the Amerigo Vespucci World Tour, http://www.tourvespucci.it.
For those in Naples on those days, it will thus be possible to go aboard the Training Ship and experience up close one of the stages of the voyage that has carried the Vespucci along the North American campaign of 2026.
From Naples toward Venice, awaiting Trieste
The Naples stop fits into the itinerary that will accompany the Amerigo Vespucci toward the completion of the North America Campaign 2026. The initiative, announced in September 2025 by the Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto, is promoted by the Ministry of Defense and the Navy, produced by Difesa Servizi S.p.A., and developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Culture, the Minister for Sport and Youth, and the Minister for Disabilities. Enel supports the project.
After Naples, the Training Ship will reach the Venetian Lagoon. From October 2 to 7 it will be moored in Venice, at Riva di San Biasio, opposite the Naval History Museum, on the occasion of the 15th edition of the Trans-Regional Seapower Symposium (T-RSS).
The international forum, dedicated to maritime cooperation and security, will be held on October 6 and 7, 2026 at the Navy Arsenal in Venice.
