• As preparations continue for the upcoming Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta, Naples, Italy, we are now issuing information for all those wishing to spectate from the water. As a first step registration is required and recommended for all people/boats wishing to be located in the specified viewing areas of the racecourses.

  • If you are planning on taking your boat on the water to watch the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Naples, Italy, taking place from the 24-27 September, then please read and take note of this important and useful information. It will provide you with everything you need to know in order to ensure your enjoyment and safety on the water, and importantly the safety of others.

    Firstly remember, it can a long day on the water. Racing starts at 14:00 CEST and is expected to conclude by 16:00 CEST. There will be three races per day on a tight racecourse in the Bay of Naples.

    Please read this information and then register your details in the link below. The registration will allow you to receive the morning briefing and plans of the day, weather forecast and any important safety and security messages. In this document and in the morning briefings, you will receive everything you need to know in order to enjoy your day watching racing, and to be able to follow all the action.

     

    IMPORTANT: IF A BOAT APPEARS ON THE RACECOURSE IN THE WRONG ZONE (FOR EXAMPLE BOATS WITH NO FLAGS CANNOT GO INTO THE FLAGGED BOATS ZONES - SEE ON MAP FOR THER CORRECT VIEWING ZONES) THE MARSHALS WILL INVITE THEM TO MOVE TO THE CORRECT AREA - PLEASE ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MARSHAL INSTRUCTIONS SO THEY CAN KEEP EVERYONE SAFE.

    PLEASE REGISTER HERE

  • Except in an emergency, anchoring will not be permitted, which means that all spectator boats must be under engine, mobile at all times (never anchored) and remaining mobile in case they need to move or a racecourse needs to change for any reason.

    Please note that spectator boats without engines or a means of propulsion cannot join the on-water spectator boat fleet, for safety reasons – all spectator boats must carry and stand by on VHF radio channel 69 and be able to manoeuvre quickly and efficiently if instructed to do so by the ACE Marshals or maritime authorities on station.

    It can be expected that alterations in the normal port procedures for the entry and exit of every port will occur – the Port Authority will issue special protocol arrangements for such matters.

    Racing is due to start at 1400hrs* CEST on each day of racing (*subject to change). This will be confirmed each morning to all boat representatives (so long as they have registered online). The racecourse and spectator boat zones will be set up before racing by Marshal boats/Marshals with 20 perimeter marks and this will be in place on a race day by 1230hrs CEST.

    The basic principle is that all spectator boats must go to their directed zone and stay outside the perimeter marks and follow any instructions issued by the ACE Marshals.

  • Perimeter marks will be identified by a number system so that spectator boats can easily identify the zone they need to go to and remain within. The zones will be organised by groups of boats as shown below:

    • YELLOW / NO-FLAG: All general boats
    • BLUE FLAG: ACE, AC Teams & Host Partner/Sponsor boats
    • GREEN FLAG: Official Charter Partner boats
    • BLACK ZONE : No waiting or spectating zone

    Flags for specified boats will be provided by ACE and instructions to collect will be advised in due course.

  • VHF radio / On-water WhatsApp Spectator to be carried by all spectator boats. Please listen on Channel 69.

  • We advise all boats to have access to the internet and a screen or mobile device onboard to be able to follow the live commentary

  • Spectator boats to be mobile under engine at all times with one (1) person in charge.

  • It is a long day on the water: take plenty of food and water and prepare for spectator boat queues in/out of port.

  • Safety is most important for all people and boats:

    Do not under any circumstances enter inside the perimeter marks.

    Always follow the instructions of the AC38 Marshals and Police/Security Boats and Ports Authority instructions for harbour exit and entry.

    Do not attempt to go close to the AC75 or AC40 yachts at any time.

  • NO DRONES ALLOWED

    Please note that it is a requirement that no drones / UAVs etc, of any shape, size or form be operated from any spectator, VIP vessel or land mass and flying into, through or around the racing area