POSTCARD FROM SARDINIA

To the people of Cagliari who embraced the whole regatta with such enthusiasm and warmth, there is nothing but gratitude. Equally to the army of Volunteers who gave up their precious time to ensure the smooth running of what was the most memorable America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in living history, a huge debt of thanks is owed.

Sailboat racing in venues where there is challenge, chop and testing, oscillating winds is the nirvana of the sport of sailing. Sardinia was perfection. Three days of the highest quality racing, executed by the apex athletes of the sport, showed the world what a compelling and absorbing competition, where ‘There is no Second,’ the America’s Cup is. Out on the water, an armada of vessels of all sizes from the 325-foot 'Christina O' to more modest vessels, took to the waters in what was a spectacle and a feast of boating.

The hometown favourites, Luna Rossa, made a statement of the now and the future. Their sailing teams were the benchmark throughout, and they rightfully earned and deserved to take both the event and the Women & Youth titles and add two magnificent Roberto Ziranu sculptures to their trophy cabinet.

The Italian team performed in front of their adoring fans, who came in their droves, to touch the magic and style of the Luna Rossa campaign. Their performances were a reward for the fans, who very much see it as a portent of success on the ‘Road to Naples’ in 2027.

Shoreside, downtown Cagliari was alive to the America’s Cup. The FanZone Lazzaretto packed out, and the Race Village hummed to live entertainment. The Official Event Shop had lines around its perimeter, whilst the food stands and activations reported brisk business.

The hugely popular dock-out and post-race shows saw crowds amass unlike anything seen before in sailing or the America’s Cup - akin to major global sporting events. Every vantage point was seized for a glimpse of the heroes of the sport and a chance to get close to the action.

Team songs blared from the speakers – Fat Boy Slim, ACDC, Vado al Massimo, The Script, Dave Dobbyn and Woodkid - rang loud as they docked-out to commence competition, and the scenes of elation towards the winners from the vast crowds who came out en-masse was a memory that will be cherished forever by those who witnessed it.

Same too for the spectacle of the Opening Ceremony. The 300-strong troupe in traditional folklore-of-the-region regalia, delighted the crowds as they led a procession of America's Cup teams and dignitaries down to the Race Village for the official ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The cultural significance of the troupe mirrored that of the event being held in Sardinia, the first time an America’s Cup regatta had taken place on the picturesque and glistening azure waters of the Bay of Angels – one of the most beautiful spots in the world for yacht racing.

The America’s Cup trophy, famously purchased on spec by the Marquess of Anglesey from the Crown Jewellers R&M Garrard in London in 1848, was on site throughout guarded by be-gloved security, alongside the Louis Vuitton Cup which will be awarded to the winning Challenger before they face the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand in Naples in July 2027. These symbols of sporting greatness looked at home in Sardinia.

The runway is short to the next America’s Cup and a nervous sense of impending destiny heightened the competitive spirit in Sardinia. As form guides go, the wonderful Italian fans really have something to look forward to in just a years’ time – for everyone else, they know how high the bar is to success.

In so many ways Sardinia itself set the bar for regatta organisation and execution. The America’s Cup world now moves across to Naples with the second Preliminary Regatta scheduled for 24-27^th September 2026. There, just like in Sardinia, battle-lines will be drawn and both old and new rivalries re-kindled. The magic-dust of the America’s Cup is in Italy, and it is spectacular. 

Thank you Sardinia. Thank you Cagliari. Thank you Italy. We very much look forward to returning.