Radical design to “fly” America’s Cup

The AC75 boats developed for the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland are designed to lift out of the water on hydrofoils and fly across the tops of the waves at speeds of more than 50 knots


AMERICA’S CUP CLASS AC75 BOAT

Sails: Double-skinned soft mainsail plus jib or larger Code Zero foresail for light winds

Hull: Return to monohull after previous three America’s Cups contested on multihulls

Hydrofoils
Two side foils and one on base of rudder. Foil wings have flaps, similar to aircraft wing, to control lift and flying height


Rudder foil
Provides lift at back of boat

Side foils
Cantilevering arms with wings

Bustle keel: Helps lift boat out of water and increases efficiency of sails when foiling


Front view of hull
Dock configuration
Both foils down – maximum stability and minimum beam

Foil arm
Rudder foil
Stable sailing mode
Maximum stability in manoeuvres and difficult conditions

Leeward foil 
Windward foil
Normal sailing mode
Leeward foil provides lift, windward foil provides stability


Weight 7.5 tonnes
Mast height 26.5m
Hull length: 20.7m 
Beam: 5m
Crew: 11


RACE COURSES
 
NEW ZEALAND
AUCKLAND
5km 3 miles
A B C D E


Sources: America’s Cup Event Ltd, INEOS Team UK, Stuff Ltd
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