Prime Minister Meloni Welcomes the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in a Historic Ceremony in Rome

In a momentous occasion set against the historic grandeur of Rome, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni officially welcomed the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup to Italy, marking the first time in the event’s 174-year history that the legendary regatta will be held on Italian waters. The ceremony took place at the stunning Casino del Bel Respiro within Villa Pamphilj, a Baroque gem commissioned in 1644 by Pope Innocent X, with St. Peter’s Basilica looming majestically in the background.

Representing Prime Minister Meloni at the opening of the event was Andrea Abodi, Minister for Sport and Youth, joined by an impressive assembly of international press, political dignitaries, and America’s Cup stakeholders. Gaetano Manfredi, Mayor of Naples, delivered an impassioned welcome, celebrating the city’s deep-rooted maritime heritage and the transformational potential of the event for Naples.

“New Zealand’s choice to defend the America’s Cup in Naples is a great privilege and opportunity for our city,” said Manfredi. “Naples has always been a city of the sea. This event allows us to embrace our past while building the Naples of tomorrow — dynamic, international, and bold.”

The selected venue for the 2025 edition is Bagnoli, a historic industrial district now poised for rejuvenation through the legacy of the America’s Cup. The redevelopment aims to transform Bagnoli into a world-class waterfront destination, with the regatta serving as a catalyst for sustainable growth and innovation.

Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand and America’s Cup Events, paid tribute to the enthusiasm and ambition of Naples, stating:

“Naples is passion. Naples is history. We are honoured to bring the America’s Cup to such a spirited and significant city. As we’ve seen before, the Cup becomes a powerful engine for urban transformation.”

Dalton highlighted Italy’s long-standing commitment to the sport, noting that 25% of global media coverage from the previous Cup was consumed in Italy — a reflection of the nation’s fervent sailing fan base and its proud legacy of twelve past America’s Cup challenges, from Azzurra (1983) to Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (2024).

A Vision for the Future

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni then took to the stage, delivering a forward-looking and impassioned address that positioned the America’s Cup as not just a sporting milestone, but a national endeavour with broad-reaching implications.

“Today, we celebrate the arrival in Italy of the world’s oldest and most prestigious sailing trophy — a global symbol of excellence in sport, innovation, and teamwork,” said Meloni. “It is an honour to welcome the America’s Cup to Rome, to Naples, and to our people.”

The Prime Minister outlined a bold vision for Italy’s South as a new engine of national development, emphasizing the transformative impact of the event on infrastructure, education, and global perception.

“This is more than a regatta,” she said. “This is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. We will bring sailing into schools, intertwine it with STEM education, and use sport to inspire a new generation.”

Meloni confirmed her support for Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, the Italian challenger, but emphasized the collective national effort behind hosting the Cup.

“We won this bid through team spirit — and it is with the same team spirit that we will deliver an unforgettable America’s Cup, proudly, passionately, and as Italians.”

Following the speech, Prime Minister Meloni was presented with a scale model of ‘Taihoro’, the Emirates Team New Zealand yacht that claimed victory in the 2024 America’s Cup.

With the grandeur of Rome and the heart of Naples now firmly tied to the sailing world’s greatest prize, Italy stands on the brink of hosting one of the most anticipated America’s Cup editions in history — a showcase not only of elite sailing but of cultural pride, innovation, and national ambition.