How to watch the America’s Cup preliminary regatta streams
The America’s Cup preliminary regatta in Naples runs from September 24 to 27, 2026, featuring nine AC40 foiling boats from six teams. The event is streamed online for free and is tied to later rounds in 2027. This explainer breaks down what’s happening, who is affected, and practical steps to watch the races from anywhere.
What’s happening this week
The 38th America’s Cup cycle includes a Preliminary Regatta in Naples, Italy. It runs over three days with fleet racing on the water and a final match race between the top two teams on the last day. The boats are identical AC40 foiling yachts, designed to level the competition and highlight sailing skill and strategy rather than boat advantages. The event is part of the lead-up to the Louis Vuitton Cup and the America’s Cup Match planned for 2027.
Who is involved and who watches
Teams include defending crew Emirates Team New Zealand and challengers such as Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, Orient Express Team France, and others. Local fans in Naples and international sailing enthusiasts are the primary audience. The event also impacts sponsors, broadcast partners, and venues that rely on tourism and media coverage tied to the regatta.
How to watch from anywhere
Watch the regatta free on YouTube or through local broadcasters where available. The exact streaming links are published by the event organizers and broadcasters. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection, and if you’re outside the host country, consider using a legitimate streaming option or broadcaster that offers international access. Keep an eye on race times for the three days to plan viewing around fleet racing and the final match race on the last day. The use of identical boats (AC40s) means results reflect racing skill and tactics rather than hardware differences.
What to know about limits and questions
The Preliminary Regattas use equalised AC40 boats to create fair competition. Race formats include three days of fleet racing, culminating in a winner-takes-all final. If you’re unsure about how to access streams in your region, check official event pages for country-specific broadcasters or streaming details. For questions about scheduling or team lineups, refer to the event’s official communications. This explainer does not speculate on outcomes beyond the described format and participants listed in source materials.
Which sources did Setup in Bahrain review?
Setup in Bahrain reviewed the following source material before preparing this explanatory article.
The links remain visible so readers can inspect the evidence, compare dates and context, and confirm current requirements with the relevant authority.
- yachtingworld.com — evidence source reviewed for this article.
Information and responsibility notice: This article is general information based on the cited material available when published. It is not legal, tax, immigration, medical, financial, banking, or investment advice; it does not create a professional-client relationship; and it is not a guarantee of outcome, availability, accuracy, or eligibility. Rules, schedules, prices, and third-party information can change. Confirm material decisions with the relevant authority and an appropriately qualified adviser before acting.