It is still a long way off, but the America's Cup has released the protocol for the 37th match, and the challengers regatta. They did that back in Novemeber when I wasn't paying attention. They will retain the foiling monohull AC75, with a few changes. And there will be a series of races in smaller AC40 boats.
The details are not important to most of you reading this, but these boats are engineering marvels. I thought I would include a short video of Emirates Team New Zealand showing what these boats can do. Emirates Team New Zealand, representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, won the 36th America's Cup and is the Defender in the upcoming match. Which is 2 years away.
The Royal Yacht Squadron Racing, represented by INEOS TEAM UK is the Challenger of Record. That is an America's Cup thing, that has to do with hammering out the details of boats, among other things.
As for the two American teams: Star+Stripes is partnering with Long Beach Yacht Club. And while it looked like the deal would fall through for a while, American Magic will represent The New York Yacht Club.
This is a two minute video for Emirates Team New Zealand - Te Aihe - driven by precision
For the engineers in the audience, here is a video about the design and function of the boats: The AC75 | Designed to Fly. The video is 7 and ½ minutes from the America's Cup, and features some of the designers.
And for people not that interested in the engineering, here is a shorter video comparing the boat to a small airplane: How the AC75 Flies, by Cooper Dresser, who is a member of the American Magic team.
For all things America's Cup, including the protocol, see the main website for the race.
I agree these are engineering marvels.
ReplyDeleteOn a personal level, I don't like them as sailboats.
I'd much rather see Aussie 18's than the AC classes.
But that's just me.