By Fabrizio Geremicca translated to English from https://ateneapoli.it/news/attualita/americas-cup-la-parthenope-si-propone-per-il-servizio-meteo/
“We will propose to make our expertise available to the America’s Cup.”
Professor Giorgio Budillon, Vice-Rector of the University of Naples Parthenope, sailor, and professor of Oceanography, announces that his university—just as it did in 2012 when Naples hosted the Louis Vuitton Cup—will offer its meteorological services for the races scheduled to take place in the Bay of Naples in 2027.
What activities were carried out during the Louis Vuitton Cup?
“We provided weather forecast services to the competing teams. The University’s Weather Center has weather stations across the territory and marine sensors to measure currents. We also have a variety of other tools, including a weather radar that allows us to monitor rainfall in real time. All these resources, which we’ve developed over the years for research and public engagement, proved valuable for the Louis Vuitton Cup crews, and I hope they will be equally useful again in 2027 for the America’s Cup. We are ready to offer the best service.”
What are the prevailing winds in the Gulf of Naples?
“Mistral, Sirocco, and Libeccio. In summer, there’s a sea breeze regime. The winds are influenced by the orography of the Gulf, with nearby reliefs like Mount Faito. Naturally, during summer—especially in August—the frequency and intensity of winds (the anemometric regime) are relatively low. It should be noted that these boats are also very sensitive to sea state conditions.”
Bringing Prestige to the Museum of the Sea
Could the University also be involved in other aspects of the sailing competition?
“Several events themed around the sea, sailing, and maritime culture will be organized during the regatta period. I’m confident of this, especially considering that here in Naples—between our University, Federico II, the CNR, ENEA, and the Dohrn Zoological Station—there’s a strong tradition of marine studies and research. I hope this will be an opportunity to enhance and showcase the beautiful Museum of the History of Navigation, which the Parthenope University houses at Villa Doria d’Angri.
The America’s Cup could be the perfect occasion to keep it open to the public more frequently and to make it better known to Neapolitans and tourists alike. The museum is a gem, a hidden treasure, but not well-known enough. We currently open it on request or during events like ‘Maggio dei Monumenti’, but during the America’s Cup, we will certainly aim to do more.”
Sailing the America’s Cup Boats?
Would you, as a sailor and sea enthusiast, like to sail on an America’s Cup yacht?
“I had the opportunity to see New Zealand, the boat that won the competition a few years ago. I was en route to Antarctica for a research mission in the Ross Sea, in which Parthenope University collaborates with other universities and research institutes. We stopped in New Zealand, and I had the chance to admire New Zealand. For someone like me who sails a normal boat, it was a bit like seeing a Formula 1 car up close.
These hulls can reach speeds of 50 to 55 knots. They have a kind of hydrofoil that lifts them almost entirely out of the water. The technology is truly advanced. Sailing on one of these boats would certainly be an extraordinary experience. However, I’d like to emphasize one thing: the charm and joy of sailing don’t depend on technology or boat size. Sure, those boats allow for crossings that modest vessels cannot handle, but sailing is wonderful even on a small boat.”
Sailing as a “Hymn to Sustainability”
What benefits do you think the America’s Cup could bring to Naples?
“There’s been a lot of talk about tourism and global visibility after Naples won the bid to host the event. These are certainly important factors. However, I prefer to emphasize something else: wind is a clean, natural, and infinite energy source, so sailing—whether for leisure or competition—is a hymn to sustainability. The fact that Naples is hosting the America’s Cup gives all of us a chance to reflect on climate change and the need to increase the use of alternative energy sources.
I also hope that the sight of sails between via Caracciolo and Posillipo will inspire a more peaceful, respectful use of the sea.”
What do you mean?
“In summer, I see boats and speedboats rushing at crazy speeds, showing no respect for others or the sea. Maybe the America’s Cup can work a small miracle—encouraging people to rethink and change these dangerous, harmful, and irresponsible behaviors.”
What Makes the America’s Cup So Special?
What makes the America’s Cup so special compared to other historic regattas and major international sporting events?
“It is the oldest sporting event still in existence. The first edition dates back to 1851—older even than the modern Olympic Games. It’s called the America’s Cup because the first winner was the yacht America, and for decades, only American crews won the trophy.
But the competition is not just important for its remarkable history. It’s now also synonymous with technological and engineering excellence. The innovations found on America’s Cup boats today often influence and improve objects, devices, and materials we’ll use in our everyday lives in the near future.”
by Fabrizio Geremicca translated to English from https://ateneapoli.it/news/attualita/americas-cup-la-parthenope-si-propone-per-il-servizio-meteo/
