America's Cup: Emirates Team NZs' Ray Davies makes a "vibrant" stop in Naples
by America's Cup Media 25 Sep 2025 05:09 BST
Ray Davies in Naples - September 2025 © America's Cup Media
Ray Davies of Emirates Team New Zealand recently made a "vibrant" stop in Naples, Italy, ahead of the upcoming Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, and was left in awe of both the city and its sailing conditions.
“This is Naples. It’s unreal!” said Davies. “From what I’ve seen in just two days, it’s absolutely sensational.”
Having competed in Naples during the America’s Cup World Series events in 2012 and 2013, Davies returns with fresh eyes, now envisioning the AC75s racing across the iconic Bay of Naples.
Naples’ celebrated Lungomare Caracciolo e Rotonda Diaz waterfront boulevard will once again transform into a buzzing Race Village and Fan Zone, thanks to support from the Municipality of Naples. In 2013, over a million spectators took to the waterfront during race week.
“We’ll be able to do some incredible fly-bys in the AC75s. The energy from the crowd will be off the charts,” Davies added.
Local enthusiasm was evident in every encounter—from taxi drivers to sandwich shop owners and aspiring sailors at the Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia.
One young sailor summed it up perfectly: “Naples has a strong sailing culture. Having the world’s best teams race here will be amazing. And I’ll be cheering for my team: Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli!”
With a smile, Davies replied: “But that’s Naples. Life, energy, passion, and pride. I can’t wait to return and see the America’s Cup action unfold in one of the world’s most dynamic cities."