LOUIS VUITTON 38TH AMERICA'S CUP PRELIMINARY REGATTA SARDINIA
CAGLIARI – 21-24 MAGGIO 2026
8 boats, 5 teams. Fleet racing. One final showdown.
The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Sardinia follows a high-intensity format where every point counts. From the racecourse and scoring system to time limits and qualification for the Grand Final, here’s everything you need to know before racing begins.
10:00: FanZone Lazzaretto Opens
15:00 – 17:00: Practice Racing – Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Sardinia
17:00 – 18:30: The Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Lirico di Cagliari take part in the opening ceremony of the 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta.
On Thursday 21 May, at the Bastione di Saint Remy, the Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Lirico di Cagliari will headline a special event dedicated to the world’s oldest international sporting competition.
The musical programme accompanying the opening ceremony will feature celebrated works from the Italian and European operatic and symphonic repertoire.
This is an institutional event and is not open to the public, but music knows no boundaries: if you are nearby, keep an ear out.
Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro Lirico di Cagliari
Conductor: Cristiano Del Monte
Chorus Master: Giovanni Andreoli
Tenor: Francesco Demuro
Bastione di Saint Remy, Thursday 21 May, 5.00 pm
Rossini – Finale from the William Tell Overture
Italian National Anthem (Inno di Mameli)
Beethoven – “Ode to Joy” from Symphony No. 9
Bizet – Carmen Overture
Verdi – “Va, pensiero” from Nabucco
Rossini – Overture from The Barber of Seville
Puccini – “Nessun dorma” from Turandot
18:00: Race Village Opens
18:30: Parade from Bastione to the Race Village
19:30: AC Teams Presentation
20:00: Musical Performance
21:00: Race Village Closes
10:00: FanZone Lazzaretto Opens
12:00: Race Village Opens
13:00: Pre-Race Show
13:30: Dock-Out Show
14:00: Live Local Performance
14:15: FanZone Fly-By
15:00 – 17:00
Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Sardinia
15:00: Live Racing
18:00: Dock-In Show
18:30: Live Local Performance
20:00: Race Village and FanZone Close
10:00: FanZone Lazzaretto Opens
12:00: Race Village Opens
13:00: Pre-Race Show
13:30: Dock-Out Show
14:00: Live Local Performance
14:15: FanZone Fly-By
15:00 – 17:00
Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Sardinia
15:00: Live Racing
18:00: Dock-In Show
18:30: Live Local Performance
20:00: Race Village and FanZone Close
10:00: FanZone Lazzaretto Opens
12:00: Race Village and FanZone Open
13:00: Pre-Race Show
13:30: Dock-Out Show
14:00: Live Local Performance
14:15: FanZone Fly-By
15:00 – 17:00
Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Sardinia
15:00: Live Racing
18:00: FanZone Closes
18:30: Prize-Giving Ceremony
19:00: Live Local Performance
20:00: Race Village Closes
The official website includes extensive information on:
The areas surrounding the racecourse in Cagliari will be dedicated to yachts and small boats. If you plan to be out on the water in the heart of the action, you MUST visit our dedicated on-water information page and register your vessel. Superyachts should contact Portus Karalis to coordinate participation in the Official America’s Cup Superyacht Programme.
The heart of the event will be the free-entry Race Village, featuring the main stage and giant screens, although it does not provide a direct view of the racecourse.
From the city centre along the entire seafront to the Lazzaretto di Cagliari, the AC Viewing Promenade will offer views across the racing area together with a giant screen. Sailing activities organised by the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) will also take place here, including Alessandra Sensini’s Foil Academy and the Para Sailing Academy for people with disabilities.
The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Sardinia has partnered with broadcasters across multiple territories, including RAI, Italy’s national public broadcaster. The races will be broadcast LIVE daily at 15:00 (CEST).
The regattas can also be watched LIVE on the official America’s Cup Facebook and YouTube channels, as well as on the official website.
If you miss the racing or would like to relive the action, full replays will be available immediately after the end of each race session.
Places and atmospheres to discover in Cagliari and across Sardinia.
