When we talk about the America's Cup, we're not just talking about a regatta: we're talking about the Formula 1 of the sea 🏎️💨. Watching a 23-meter beast of the seas hover above the water, suspended on a thin carbon wing, is a spectacle that leaves both veteran sailors and first-time passengers speechless.
SVN solovelanet
Now that the Gulf of Naples has become the official arena for the 38th edition of the America's Cup, let's discover together the technology behind these "flying" monohulls, Naples' seafaring tradition, and how to enjoy a day of sport and relaxation.
⚡ How Do Foils Work? (Explained Simply)
If you're sailing for the first time or have always helmed traditional displacement boats, the first thing that will surprise you about the AC75s is that... they barely touch the water! 🤯
Lift: Just as an airplane's wings generate lift in the air, the submerged appendages (called hydrofoils or simply foils) generate hydrodynamic lift as the boat picks up speed.
Reduced drag: By lifting the entire hull above the sea surface, water resistance drops dramatically. The result? The boats can travel up to 3-4 times faster than the wind propelling them! 🌬️
Electronics and muscle: On board there's a perfect mix of hydraulic systems, aerospace technology, and human energy supplied by the cyclors (the athletes who pedal on board to generate the hydraulic pressure needed to move the sails).
🏛️ Naples and Sailing: An Ancient Love Story
The awarding of the America's Cup to Naples is no coincidence 💙. The Gulf boasts a combination unique in the world:
The ideal thermal breeze: The famous Neapolitan "maestrale" or the sirocco breeze create stable wind conditions, ideal for getting these speed machines up on their foils.
A centuries-old tradition: With the Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia, the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia, and the Circolo Canottieri Napoli, Borgo Marinari has been one of the cradles of world-class professional sailing for over a century.
A natural amphitheater: The shape of the Gulf, sheltered between Capo Posillipo, Nisida, and the Phlegraean Islands, turns the sea into a true natural stadium 🏟️.
🗺️ The Perfect Itinerary: Racing + Snorkeling in the Gulf
If you rent a boat on Queryboat during the event days, don't just watch the races! Take advantage of your position to explore the wonders of the coast:
🌊 Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Set sail from Posillipo or Mergellina and head toward the Bay of Gaiola. Go snorkeling among the submerged Roman ruins of the Underwater Park.
🥪 Lunch at anchor: Drop anchor in the bay of Marechiaro for a light lunch and a swim in the deep, crystal-clear waters.
🏁 Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:30 PM): Reach the designated spectator zone off the coast to enjoy the race starts and the cheering crowds.
🌅 Sunset: Head back toward the harbor, skirting Castel dell'Ovo with the golden colors of sunset over Naples.
⚓ Want to Be Part of the Spectacle?
Experiencing the America's Cup from the sea doesn't require owning a multi-million-euro yacht. With Queryboat you can rent the ideal boat for you and your friends in just a few clicks, relying on expert local skippers who know every secret and sailing route of the Gulf.
👉 Choose your boat and get ready to fly over the sea of Naples: check availability on Queryboat.com!