ROME

Italy will host the next edition of the America’s Cup sailing competition in 2027 in Naples, the country’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Thursday.

It will be the first time for Italy to organize such an event, which is considered the most prestigious sailing competition in the world.

“I am proud to announce that the America’s Cup will be contested, for the first time in its history, in Italy,” Meloni said in a statement.

New Zealand, which are the three-time defending champions, said earlier this year they would not seek to host the 2027 edition, due to lack of governmental financial support.

“The choice of Naples will contribute to reinforce the renewed protagonism of the South of Italy, which has rediscovered its dynamism and pride over the past years, recording a higher gross domestic product and employment growth than the national average,” the prime minister said.

She added Italy was looking forward to hosting the America’s Cup.

“Italy will be up to this challenge and will show once again to the world what it is capable of,” she said.