Naples is preparing to watch the America's Cup boats soar across the water. Seven teams, the Gulf as the racing venue, and a city that is beginning to assume center stage in the buildup to the 2027 challenge: the second preliminary regatta of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup brings crews and enthusiasts to the Campania capital from September 24th to 27th. The competition will take place on AC40s, one-design boats in which crew competence and tactical decisions are critical. The program consists of eight fleet races, followed by a single-race final between the two top-ranked boats. The regatta will be used to assess preparedness and opponents without affecting the standings for the main 2027 event. Among the most anticipated contestants is Nathan Outteridge, the Australian captain of Emirates Team New Zealand, who will lead the defending champions. "We've had a fantastic welcome from the people; the race course is incredible", says Outteridge, underlining the beauty of the city from the sea. Meanwhile, at Piazza Vittoria, the huge countdown clock to 2027 has been activated.