A Fashion House Brings the America’s Cup to Naples

A house returns to the helm

Louis Vuitton will continue its long-standing involvement with the America’s Cup, renewing its role as Title Partner for the 38th edition of the competition, set to take place in Naples in 2027.

The announcement confirms that the world’s oldest international sporting trophy will be staged in Italy for the first time, marking a significant moment for both the event and its partners.

Following the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona in 2024, Naples will host the next chapter beginning in 2026, when five teams enter a series of preliminary races. Emirates Team New Zealand will return as Defender, facing challengers GB1, Luna Rossa, Tudor Team Alinghi, and K Challenge.

The Louis Vuitton Cup, which serves as the eliminatory round to determine the final challenger, is scheduled to begin in May 2027 in Naples.

Two legacies on parallel timelines

The renewed partnership underscores a relationship between Louis Vuitton and the America’s Cup that dates back more than 40 years. Both institutions were founded in the mid 19th century, the America’s Cup in 1851 and Louis Vuitton in 1854.

In 1983, Louis Vuitton became the America’s Cup’s first major sponsor, introducing the Louis Vuitton Cup and the challenger elimination format that expanded participation and reshaped the structure of the event.

For the Naples edition, Louis Vuitton will also introduce a new creative identity rooted in its own history. The graphic design for the 38th America’s Cup is based on a motif created by Gaston Louis Vuitton, the grandson of the House’s founder.

Centered on the letter “V,” the design draws from Gaston Louis Vuitton’s early 20th century personal signature, originally used to distinguish his luggage. Rendered in navy blue, white, and red, the emblem references both the House’s heritage and the idea of victory central to the competition.

Looking back to move forward

“We are delighted to support the America’s Cup in its new transformation, ushering in an even more modern and inclusive era,” said Pietro Beccari, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton.

“Together, we experienced the Cup’s first major transformation in 1983 with the creation of the Louis Vuitton Cup, and today we are honored to be present for this new historic edition, the first to take place in Italy.”

Pietro Beccari

With Naples as its host city, the 38th America’s Cup is set against a backdrop known for its maritime history and cultural weight. As teams prepare for the preliminary races and the Louis Vuitton Cup, the 2027 edition is shaping up to be both a continuation of tradition and a statement about the future direction of the sport.

1. What is the 38th America’s Cup Naples 2027?

The 38th America’s Cup is an international sailing competition scheduled to take place in Naples, Italy, in 2027. It will feature five teams competing in preliminary races leading up to the Louis Vuitton Cup, the eliminatory round that determines the challenger for the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand.

2. Which teams will compete in the 2027 America’s Cup?

The teams expected to compete include Emirates Team New Zealand, GB1, Luna Rossa, Tudor Team Alinghi, and K Challenge. They will race across several phases starting in 2026, with the goal of challenging the defending champion.

3. What is Louis Vuitton’s role in the America’s Cup?

Louis Vuitton serves as the Title Partner for the 38th America’s Cup and has a long-standing partnership with the event since 1983. The brand supports the competition through sponsorship, the creation of the Louis Vuitton Cup, and crafting the official trophy trunks.

4. What is the Louis Vuitton Cup?

The Louis Vuitton Cup is the eliminatory round of the America’s Cup that determines which challenger will face the defending champion. It was first introduced in 1983 to expand participation and is now a key part of the competition’s structure.