Shock Mitigation Directory

New Zealand Announces Extreme Americas Cup Boat

21.12.2017

An exciting new era in America’s Cup racing was unveiled in November 2017 as the concept for the 36th America’s Cup. AC75 is the new class of boat to be sailed when New Zealand defend the cup in 2021. It is a bold and modern vision for high performance fully foiling monohull racing yachts.

The 23 metre (75 feet) AC75 combines extremely high-performance sailing and great match racing with the safety of a boat that can right itself in the event of a capsize. The ground-breaking concept is achieved through the use of twin canting T-foils, ballasted to provide righting-moment when sailing, and roll stability at low speed.

The normal sailing mode sees the leeward foil lowered to provide lift and enable foiling, with the windward foil raised out of the water to maximise the lever-arm of the ballast and reduce drag. In pre-starts and through manoeuvres, both foils can be lowered to provide extra lift and roll control, also useful in rougher sea conditions and providing a wider window for racing.

VIDEO - New America's Cup AC75 Boat Concept >

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