“It is an opportunity for the entire country,” exclaimed the Minister for Sport, Andrea Abodi. Also enthusiastic was the Ceo of Team New Zealand, Grant Dalton, despite having to go “into the lion’s den,” referring to Luna Rossa: “The Italians are the most passionate and involved audience of the Cup,” and “Naples is the perfect venue.”
“Unesco heritage” and “the world will be watching Italy,” writes the America’s Cup, which has changed its face many times over the decades. “In Naples, sport belongs to the people, it is for everyone,” says Mayor Gaetano Manfredi. “The America’s Cup will be the cup of sailors, of enthusiasts, but it will also be everyone’s cup; everyone will have access and the opportunity to experience and participate. In Naples, social value will be the fundamental point of the America’s Cup, which will be the most open and participatory ever, and the existing enthusiasm is proof that we were right to compete. Together we will win this great challenge.” An event that will help change the face of the city. “The economic resources that arrive will remain in Naples,” the mayor emphasized. “A large and permanent tourism-related industry will remain, as will the works we will advance in Bagnoli. We will carry out an intervention along the entire coastline: from Pietrarsa to Bagnoli, and Naples’ position among the greatest cities in the world will remain. Hosting the America’s Cup here,” he concluded, “is the recognition that Naples has become one of the great maritime capitals of the world, of tourism, and the return in terms of image and attention will be unique.”
In view of the prestigious event, entrepreneurs in the areas that will be affected by the regattas are also preparing. This is the case for the Luise pier, which will guarantee its support to the owners, captains, and crews of the participating hulls. The group’s managing partner, Francesco Luise, explains how “the America’s Cup will be an event that adds to the current offering. It will last for several days: a month of racing and a total commitment of 60 days for the organization. I believe there will be many opportunities both economically and in terms of employment. The permanent effect will be that Naples’ name will remain in the history of such an ancient and prestigious competition. The hope is that all difficulties, especially bureaucratic ones, will not represent an insurmountable obstacle.” On the Luise Group’s commitment: “We have a long tradition that connects us to the America’s Cup. We are also honorary agents of the exclusive Cowes club, the Royal Yacht Squadron, which organized the first edition of the Hundred Guineas Cup, later renamed the America’s Cup. So, when the opportunity arose, we signed a contract with the group that owns the competition’s brand, which gave us the chance to do what we do best. We will be official partners.”