The city of Naples is currently preparing to play host to the grand finale of the 2012-13 America’s Cup World Series that will be held in April.

America's Cup World Series - Credit: ACEA 2013/Photo: Gilles Martin-Raget

On Friday, February 15, at a press conference in Milan, representatives of the consortium ACN, the local organizing authority, met to promote the event, including: President of the Campania Region, Stefano Caldoro; the Mayor of Naples, Luigi de Magistris; the President of the Province, Antonio Pentangelo; President of the Chamber of Commerce of Naples, Maurizio Maddaloni; and the CEO of ACN, Mario Hubler.

Tom Ehman, Vice-Commodore of the Golden Gate Yacht Club, was in attendance on behalf of the America’s Cup, and spoke of the warm reception the America’s Cup community received during the 2012 event.

“The races last year were among the best I’ve seen in 33 years of involvement with the America’s Cup,” he said. “The race village in Naples was the busiest among the AC World Series events and the spectacular opening ceremony was one that all of us will remember for a very long time.”

Naples Presentation in Milan

President Caldoro confirmed the success of the 2012 event, noting: “Participation in Naples has exceeded that of all other places where there was the same competition… The real challenge is to showcase our territory, and we will do our best to achieve this objective.”

Mayor de Magistris also emphasized the importance the America’s Cup has had on the image of Naples: “This event is a driving force in changing the image of our city. Where there is sport, there is economy, there are young people, and there is work.”

Tom Ehman and Luigi de Magistris

The America’s Cup World Series Naples runs from April 16-21, 2013 and is the final World Series event leading into the Summer of Racing in San Francisco, which includes the Louis Vuitton Cup (America’s Cup Challenger Series), Red Bull Youth America’s Cup and America’s Cup Finals.