The Essental Yacht Charter Guide
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Experience the 2027 America’s Cup by Yacht Charter


Posted In: Charter Sailing Holiday Destination Guides

For sailing enthusiasts around the world, the America’s Cup is much more than a yacht race. It’s the pinnacle of competitive sailing—an extraordinary display of technology, teamwork, and maritime heritage.

A Front-Row Sailing Experience at the 2027 America’s Cup

Now that the 37th America’s Cup is confirmed for Naples, Italy in 2027, with preliminary events staring at Cagliari, Sardinia in May 2026, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere than aboard your own charter yacht.

At Sail Connections, we’ve helped clients plan unforgettable sailing holidays for over 30 years. With our deep experience in Mediterranean yacht charter, we’re uniquely positioned to help you be part of the America’s Cup in comfort and style from the sea, with sails overhead and action all around.

Where and When: The America's Cup 2027

The 2027 America’s Cup will take place in Naples, a city steeped in maritime tradition and sitting on one of the most spectacular coastlines in Europe. The Bay of Naples offers dramatic views of Mount Vesuvius, beautiful island getaways like Capri and Ischia, and excellent cruising conditions throughout the summer and early autumn.

The main match series is still some time away, but one preliminary regatta has already been confirmed: Cagliari, on the southern coast of Sardinia – 21 to 24 May 2026. This is exciting news for Mediterranean sailors, as Cagliari is already a well-loved charter destination, with an established infrastructure of marinas, services, and a fleet of quality charter boats available.

Future preliminary regatta locations are yet to be announced. As they are confirmed Sail Connections will be monitoring developments closely. We’ll be ready to place our clients in the best charter boats near the action.

Note: As Mediterranean charters are strictly Saturday to Saturday, you’ll only catch the last day’s racing from aboard.  Get there early to soak up the atmosphere and when racing’s done explore the superb Sardinian coastline for a leisurely week. You’ll need to be quick, as boats are selling out

Why Charter for the America’s Cup?

Sailing charter offers a uniquely flexible, immersive way to experience the America’s Cup. Unlike hotel stays or shore-based spectator packages, a yacht charter lets you:

1. Be Close to the Racing

Depending on regatta protocols and maritime restrictions in place during the event, spectators in private charter yachts can often position themselves strategically near the racecourse perimeter. You’ll enjoy a thrilling view of the high-performance AC75s in action from the best seat in the house.

2. Combine Sport and Sightseeing

Naples, Cagliari, and other likely regatta locations are all top-tier sailing destinations in their own right. With a charter yacht, you can watch the racing, then cruise to a secluded anchorage or historic harbour at your own pace. Enjoy fresh seafood in a coastal trattoria, swim off the stern in crystal waters, and explore nearby islands on your own schedule.

3. Sail With Friends and Family

Chartering a yacht provides shared accommodation, comfort, and adventure for your whole group. Whether you choose a bareboat charter, a skippered yacht, or a fully crewed catamaran, you are free to design your experience around the event and your holiday preferences.

4. Stay Flexible

Hotel bookings during events like the America’s Cup often require long lead times and can come with cancellation risks and rising costs. With a charter broker like Sail Connections, you have access to multiple fleets and operators. We can hold options, suggest alternatives, and manage your booking as event details evolve, without added stress.

Cagliari, Sardinia

Cagliari, Sardinia

Peaceful anchorage, southern Sardinia

Peaceful anchorage, southern Sardinia

Cagliari: First Stop on the Road to Naples

Cagliari, Sardinia's capital, has already been selected to host the first preliminary regatta leading up to the America’s Cup in Naples. For seasoned charterers, this comes as no surprise.

With its modern marina facilities, dependable summer winds, and easy access to both open water and protected anchorages, Cagliari is an ideal starting point for a Sardinian sailing itinerary. You can combine regatta viewing with cruising the dramatic southern coast of Sardinia, or plot a one-way route northward along the island’s famously rugged shores.

As with all major sailing events, demand will be strong, and there’s not long to go before racing starts on 21 May this year. We recommend early enquiries to secure the best boats and itineraries. Sail Connections works with quality charter fleets in Cagliari and across Sardinia, and we’ll guide you to the best options for your group’s experience, preferences, and budget.

Take a look at our introduction to Sardinia including on the Location tab an indicative map of prime charter locations.

The Bay of Naples at Sorrento

The Bay of Naples at Sorrento

Capri looking towards Sorrento

Capri looking towards Sorrento

Naples 2027: Chartering for the Main Event

Naples may be known for pizza and history, but its role as host for the 37th America’s Cup puts the spotlight firmly on the sea. For charter guests, this is a golden opportunity to experience world-class sailing competition while enjoying one of the most beautiful cruising regions in the Mediterranean.

The Bay of Naples offers a wide range of charter-friendly features:

  • Multiple nearby islands: Capri, Ischia, and Procida are all within easy sailing range
  • Protected anchorages: Plenty of options for mooring or anchoring in proximity to race zones
  • Charming ports: The famous Amalfi coast, Sorrento, and Positano are just a day sail away
  • Rich culture ashore: Explore Roman ruins, world-class museums, and authentic Italian cuisine

At Sail Connections, we’re already speaking with our fleet partners in the area and reviewing charter options for the 2027 season. While charter demand for the Cup period will be high, our relationships with top regional operators put us in a strong position to secure prime boats at fair terms. And because we work across multiple global databases, we can compare options others may miss.

Types of Charter for the America’s Cup

We’ll help you select the best type of charter for your America’s Cup experience. Options include:

Bareboat Charter

For experienced sailors who want to be in command, a bareboat gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary. You’ll need the appropriate qualifications and sailing resume for Italy (such as the ICC or RYA Day Skipper equivalent). We can guide you through those requirements.

Skippered Yacht Charter

Add a local professional skipper to your charter and enjoy peace of mind at sea. Your skipper can handle the boat while you watch the racing, and also serve as an insider guide to local anchorages, restaurants, and hidden gems.

Fully Crewed Charter

Let a full crew take care of everything, from sailing and mooring to meals and onboard hospitality. Ideal for larger groups or those seeking maximum comfort and relaxation while following the regatta.

Whether you want a monohull yacht or luxury catamaran, we’ll match you with the right vessel.

Planning Your America’s Cup Charter with Sail Connections

Chartering around a major event like the America’s Cup requires expert support. With over 30 years’ experience in global yacht charter, Sail Connections brings:

  • Personal knowledge of sailing in Italy, Sardinia, and the wider Mediterranean
  • Access to all reputable charter fleets, including last-minute options and one-way possibilities
  • Unbiased advice on boat types, crew, and itinerary planning
  • Help with licensing, provisioning, and transfers
  • No extra cost to you for our full brokerage service

We do more than just book your boat. We help you design a sailing holiday that brings you into the heart of the America’s Cup—without the hassle.

Ready to Start Planning?

If you are thinking about experiencing the 2027 America’s Cup from the comfort of a yacht, we would love to help. Whether you are eyeing the preliminary regatta in Cagliari or the grand spectacle in Naples, talk to us about how to make it part of your next sailing adventure.

Let us tailor your dream sailing itinerary. Contact Sail Connections to start planning your America’s Cup yacht charter.

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