'First opportunity': What Team NZ hope to learn as Naples field study begins

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Author: Christopher Reive,
Publish Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2026, 8:32pm

The next phase has begun.

In this shortened America’s Cup cycle – made all the shorter by a delay in getting a confirmed protocol and class rule – time seems to be even more crucial.

And after spending time relaunching their AC75 Taihoro in Auckland, the Auld Mug defenders Emirates Team New Zealand have moved on to what shapes up as a pivotal part of their bid to bring the America’s Cup back home for a fourth-straight time.

Team NZ have relocated their sailing operation to the Cup venue in Naples, ahead of September’s second preliminary regatta in the Italian city, and got on the water for the first time this week in their two AC40s.

“It really is very special to be out here,” Team NZ skipper Nathan Outteridge said.

“To get a first-hand look at the racecourse and start feeling out the conditions in the exact window we’ll be racing in next year is a massive opportunity for us.

“While we have come here to learn about the course, sailing and racing both of our AC40s, [it’s] also helping prepare for the event later in September. So, we’ll be getting into some more detailed sailing over the coming weeks and maximising our time while we’re here.

“We had a really good first day. Two boats out there on the racecourse for the first time with beautiful sailing conditions. A really good sea breeze came through around midday, and we were straight into it, so overall it was a solid first day here in Naples.”

This current training block aligns with the window for the 2027 America’s Cup match, which will be decided between July 10 and 18 in a year’s time.

Emirates Team New Zealand have started an AC40 sailing block in Naples. Photos / America's Cup

They’re not the only ones taking advantage of this period, with Italian challenger Luna Rossa also doing some AC40 sailing in Naples this month.

The team will be working in Naples over the coming weeks, before rejoining the wider team in Auckland later in the year.

Like all venues, the Bay of Naples will have its own quirks and intricacies for the teams to get to grips with both in terms of breeze and on the water.

In Barcelona in 2024, plenty was made of the sea state the sailors would have to navigate after sailing in relatively flat waters in Auckland in 2021.

“Having both AC40s out here allows us to push each other and really explore the nuances of the bay,” flight controller Andy Maloney said.

“The environment is world-class, and it’s a privilege to be sailing in such an historic setting on Naples’ waters for the first time. A real excitement from the entire team to get our first opportunity to scope out the racetrack for the 38th America’s Cup.”

While they will spend this block sailing their AC40s, Team NZ are one of just three teams to have relaunched their AC75 and using up some of their 45 allotted sailing days on that vessel this year.

Luna Rossa and France’s La Roche Posay Racing Team have also returned to the water at their respective home bases on their AC75s.

They are among the six challengers signed on for next year’s event, with returning teams GB1 (Great Britain) and Tudor Team Alinghi (Switzerland), and newcomers Team USA and Team Australia.

The latter two were late entries and each purchased a legacy AC75 hull with which to compete.

Team USA acquired the assets from American Magic, who opted not to enter into this cycle, while Team Australia acquired Team NZ’s second-generation AC75 hull, Te Rehutai.

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.