RAY’S RECCE TO NAPLES
“A Napoli, il sole è più caldo.” In Naples, the sun is warmer. A typically poetic way of expressing that Naples radiates a unique warmth—vibrant, passionate, and unlike anywhere else in the world.
And there’s only one real way to understand that sentiment: go and experience it. That’s exactly what Emirates Team New Zealand’s Ray Davies did during a recent trip to Europe.
His first reaction? “Well, this is Naples – it’s unreal!”—“From what I’ve seen over the past two days, it’s sensational,” said Davies, referring not only to the city’s charm but also to the incredible sailing conditions for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup.
Ray is no stranger to Naples. He previously raced here aboard Emirates Team New Zealand’s AC45 during the America’s Cup World Series events in 2012 and 2013. But this time, he’s viewing it through a new lens: imagining the AC75s slicing through the Bay of Naples for the America’s Cup itself.
“The conditions are amazing—really flat water, a strong sea breeze that can be quite puffy and challenging. It’s going to make for some incredibly exciting racing. But the best bit? When you look up and see the whole city, the apartments stacked along the hills... it’s like a giant natural grandstand. Everyone will have a view of the racecourse—it’s absolutely incredible.”
And that’s before you even mention the Race Village and Fan Zone, planned for the iconic Lungomare Caracciolo e Rotonda Diaz—Naples’ waterfront promenade, which will be closed to traffic and transformed into a vibrant hub of America’s Cup festivities, thanks to support from the Municipality of Naples.
“That’s where hundreds of thousands of Neapolitans came to watch the racing in 2013—over a million people across the week, they reckon. With the AC75s, we’ll be able to pull off some pretty impressive fly-bys for all the fans. It’s going to be epic.”
As always, Ray didn’t take long to connect with the locals. Many of whom are just as thrilled about the America’s Cup returning to their city.
While chatting with his taxi driver, Ray asked: “What do you think of the America’s Cup coming to Naples?”
The reply was pure Neapolitan passion: “It is fantastic! A fantastic moment for Napoli. From the world, because only Naples is unique. Mount Vesuvius, the island of Capri... A very, very good manifestation!”
Even a sandwich shop owner chimed in: “The America's Cup in Naples is world-class, beautiful! It will be amazing for tourism. A beautiful thing!”
And, of course, Ray couldn’t miss meeting the next generation of local sailors from the Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia.
One young sailor shared his excitement: “I’m really looking forward to the America’s Cup coming to Naples. We have a great sailing culture here, in Napoli and all of Italy. It’s going to be amazing to have the world’s best sailors racing in our own waters. And of course, I’ll be cheering for my team: Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli!”
“Ahem,” Ray coughed with a smile.
But that’s Naples. Full of life, energy, passion, and pride. And Ray’s not alone in his excitement. “I can’t wait to come back. To be part of it, and to see the racing for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup begin.”
