(April 5, 2024) – The hottest ticket in Barcelona tonight was for the ‘reveal’ and roll-out of the AC75 that Alinghi Red Bull Racing is hoping will bring the two-time America’s Cup winner more glory at the 37th edition.
For the assembled crowd and hundreds peering over the fence, they got the first look as the hull form came into slow view. What they saw was a dead straight, ultra-slender bow profile leading the way back to a long, tapered bustle trailing all the way aft along the centerline and ending right in the stern beneath the communications tower.
In the dark and the dramatic smoke, it was tough to see precisely the form, and the suspicion is more bulbous forward before the taper aft, but this will all be revealed in the coming days. The aggressive flaring of the deck off the bustle is key for the expected wavy conditions in Barcelona with the aim of promoting super-fast flight.
The bow detail is interesting with what look like ‘bumps’ just aft of the stem which could be used to capitalize on the ‘Venturi’ effect and send air molecules upwards to the jib creating greater pressure along the foot or could simply be there for volume to help lift the boat after a nosedive. Led by Principal Designer Marcelino Botin, the final shape was derived from thousands of hours of computer simulation and airflow work.
The big news though was saved for last as its cut-away cockpit at the stern leaves a good 10 feet of open area and just carbon sidewalls that abruptly end. The rule change for the 37th America’s Cup means no backstays so weight reduction here is paramount and with the crew-members, now down to just eight, not crossing as they did in the last competition, their concentration is all around the foil area.
Expect to see the team continue with inboard cyclors and just two pod positions either side for the two helms and two trimmers – again to be confirmed when the boat has its official launch in the coming weeks.
The shot of the night was, with the boat fully out from the shed, a team of acrobats from the renowned Catalan urban theatre troupe, La Fura Dels Baus, entertaining the audience with their interpretation of ‘human sails’ on the AC75 – just incredible to witness.
Overall, it was a fantastic evening for the Swiss and the body language of the team members as they filed smartly onto the base in team uniform was one of unity and excitement. After the festive unveiling, the AC75 will have her final preparations prior to christening in the next days, which will be followed by her first sail out on the water.
Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period opened December 1, 2021 and runs until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup may be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the venue reveal, confirming it would be Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup begins October 12, 2024.
Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)
2023-24 Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 22-25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain
2024 Challenger Selection Series
August 29-September 8: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)
2024 America’s Cup
October 12-21: 37th Match (Best of 13)
For more schedule details, click here.
Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.
Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Additional details: www.americascup.com/en/home
Source: ACE
