Sailing in Naples: a centuries-long passion
In Naples, the sea is more than just a horizon — it’s competition, challenge, and the art of sailing.
Sailing is woven into the city's very character, cradled for centuries by the Gulf of Naples and driven by the Mediterranean wind.
From the past...
As early as the 18th century, sailing ships crowded the Bourbon port, reflecting the commercial and maritime vitality of the capital of the Kingdom.
But it was in the 19th century that sailing took on a sporting identity: Naples saw the birth of its first nautical clubs, including the legendary Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia, founded in 1893.
One of the oldest in Italy, it remains a vibrant hub of Neapolitan sailing to this day.
... To the present day
Today, the tradition lives on: amateur regattas, international competitions, sailing schools for children, winter championships, and historic trophies fill the calendar of enthusiasts.
Along the seafront, between Mergellina and Santa Lucia, white sails can be seen daily slicing through the blue, carried by the slow rhythm of the wind.
But in Naples, sailing is also culture. It's found in the language of fishermen, in sea songs, and in the stories whispered on old piers.
It’s a way of life — suspended between technique and poetry.
And as the city prepares to once again host the world’s most prestigious sailing event — the America’s Cup 2027 — this ancient passion is reborn, ready to shine with its signature pride and elegance.
