HOW TO WATCH THE PRELIMINARY REGATTA SARDINIA

The countdown is on. Sardinia marks the first true racing benchmark as we line up against the Challengers of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup in Cagliari for the opening Preliminary Regatta. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Gulf of Angels, this is where preparation meets pressure for the first time. Equalised AC40s, tight fleet racing, and with added competition from the Women's & Youth teams. For fans, it’s the first real opportunity to see how the teams stack up, and how the next chapter of America’s Cup racing is beginning to take shape.

AC40 Sardinia Preview / Looking back at the racing in Vilanova and Jeddah

THE RACE FORMAT
The Preliminary Regatta unfolds across four key days: one official practice day, followed by three Race Days.

Official Practice Day: 21 May 2026 (local time)
Before racing officially begins, teams take to the water for final preparations, venue familiarisation, and crucial on-course practice in Sardinia’s weather and wind conditions.

For each race, the racecourse is set up for an upwind start with the length and number of legs determined based on the wind and weather conditions of the day. 

Race Days 1 and 2: 22 & 23 May 2026 (local time)
Across the opening race days, all teams will compete in a series of high-intensity fleet races aboard identical AC40s, with up to three races scheduled each day.

The eight-boat fleet will see Emirates Team New Zealand line up against GB1 (UK), Luna Rossa (ITA), Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI), and La Roche-Posay Racing Team (FRA). Like Emirates Team New Zealand, both the British and Italian teams will also field a second AC40 crewed by their respective Women’s and Youth sailors: adding even more depth, talent, and intensity to the competition.

The Final Showdown: Race Day 3, 24 May 2026 (local time)
On Race Day 3, two more fleet races are scheduled and the Preliminary Regatta will conclude with a winner-takes-all match race final with the top two teams competing against each other to determine who will take home the Winner title of the Preliminary Regatta Sardinia.

 

 

HOW TO WATCH
Every race of the Preliminary Regatta will be broadcast live globally, giving fans around the world front-row access to the action in Sardinia. 

Watch Live Online:

  • Official America’s Cup livestream
  • America’s Cup YouTube channel
  • Emirates Team New Zealand social channels and website for live updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage
  • For live race updates straight from the water and the behind-the-scene scoop, follow our WhatsApp channel 

 

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Global Viewing
Racing is scheduled to be between 3pm and 5pm local time in Cagliari, Italy. No matter where you are, race coverage will be available across key international time zones.

Check your local listings and official race schedule graphics for exact start times in your region.

 

 

WHERE TO WATCH

In Sardinia: Race Village and FanZone
Located on Cagliari’s vibrant waterfront, the Race Village is the central hub of the event, featuring live race screenings, entertainment, official merchandise as well as food and hospitality experiences.

For fans wanting a direct view of the racecourse, the FanZone in Lazzaretto offers one of the best vantage points in the Gulf of Angels—combining atmosphere, big-screen coverage, and live waterfront viewing.

Watch From Home
Can’t make it to Sardinia? Follow every moment through official livestreams, the America's Cup YouTube broadcast, and check your local networks for TV broadcasting.