Divergent Flight Paths

The allowance to build a 40-foot prototype for the 37th America’s Cup cycle is an opportunity for two challengers to control their development destinies using a platform that’s more easily managed than an AC75.

DAVE REED

With the 37th America’s Cup using the AC75 class rule for this second generation of high-tech foilers, all but one of five teams—newcomer Alinghi Red Bull Racing—have the design jump-start of servers full of historical data and real experience with the 75-footer from the last go. It was, therefore, no surprise when the Protocol sought to level the playing field and reduce costs by allowing one prototype per team in the lead up to building their one and only new-generation AC75. Teams are also required to buy a one-design AC40, which could be used as a prototype to design, test and troubleshoot mechatronic systems and foils. They could also leave the AC40 in its one-design configuration and instead design and build what’s called an LEQ12, which means “less than or…

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Sailing World (Digital) - 1 Issue, Winter 2023

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