America’s Cup Events (ACE), organisers of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples, speaking at the 65th Genoa International Boat Show, announced a strategic partnership agreement with the Italian Marine Industry Association that creates a direct link between the boating industry and the flagship sailing event to be held in Naples in 2027.
The agreement sees the Italian Marine Industry Association become the “Strategic Marine Industry Advisory Partner” of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, supporting ACE in facilitating the identification of strategic companies in the Italian marine industry chain.
In order to ensure the successful planning of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples, the Italian Marine Industry Association will provide access to its proven experience and knowledge of the Italian boating market to support ACE in establishing more effective relations with stakeholders, institutions and companies.
Specifically, the Italian Marine Industry Association will support ACE in identifying opportunities for industrial, commercial and technical cooperation with leading Italian operators in the boating sector by acting directly or through “I Saloni Nautici Srl”, its wholly-controlled operational subsidiary.
Speaking about the collaboration, Leslie Ryan, Event Director of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, commented: “We are delighted to recognise and work alongside the Italian Marine Industry Association as our qualified and reliable institutional advisor in Italy.
The exclusive relationship covered by this agreement is intended to safeguard ACE’s interests and to ensure that the many contacts we have already had, and which we can further expect, from the Italian boating industry are valued on the basis of our expertise, experience and in-depth knowledge of the local nautical sector“.
Piero Formenti, President of the Italian Marine Industry Association, with regards to the appointment, had this to say: “Having the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples in 2027 is a significant moment for the whole of Italy as well as a huge opportunity to showcase the ‘Made in Italy’ brand and what our highly professional and innovative industry has to offer. This is a unique opportunity and we cannot wait to work closely with ACE, as part of our new partnership agreement, to ensure the best possible results for all parties involved and a highly successful event in Naples in 2027.“
Marco Monsurrò, Vice President of the Italian Marine Industry Association, stated: “For Southern Italy, this partnership is more than an institutional recognition: it is a key strategic opportunity. Hosting the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples connects our territory to the most prestigious sailing event in the world and allows our companies to compete on an international stage.
By leveraging the advantages of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the extraordinary potential of our coastal regions, we can turn this event into a platform for long-term growth and global visibility. The legacy we intend to build is not only about the 2027 edition, but also about the future of the southern nautical industry and Italy’s role on the international stage.”
Grant Dalton, CEO of Defender Emirates Team New Zealand, added: “Preparation for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples in 2027 is quickly ramping up and we have been delighted with the responses and approaches from the Italian boating community, with many companies keen to be involved in the event. By working closely with the Italian Marine Industry Association, ACE is tapping into their vast resources and experience, and from an events perspective we look forward to working together with the association.“
The Italian Marine Industry Association: The Italian Marine Industry Association is the national non-profit association that has been representing the interests of the entire recreational boating industry at a national and international level since 1967, dedicated to fostering and enabling the growth of companies throughout the sector, promoting the culture of the sea and developing nautical tourism throughout Italy.
Since 1967, the Italian Marine Industry Association has been dedicated to supporting and promoting the development of the boating sector, the flagship of Made in Italy excellence worldwide, with a supply chain made up of entrepreneurs capable of innovating, understanding and responding to the transformations of a constantly evolving market.
The Italian Marine Industry Association is based in Genoa and Rome and is an active member of the General Confederation of Italian Industry, acting as the reference trade association for the recreational boating sector, from production and trade to services.
As part of the Italian Marine Industry Association’s commitment to promoting the boating sector and Made in Italy manufacturing, it also plays an active role as a member of the Italian Maritime Federation, the Italian Tourism Federation, the Italian Trade Fairs Committee, Fondazione Edison, Symbola, the Sustainable Development Foundation and the National Technological Cluster for Made in Italy manufacturing “MinIT”, all key institutions with which the Italian Marine Industry Association shares its principles and initiatives.
