AC40 - Ownership

Running an AC40

Any new yacht, let alone a new class of yacht of course requires detailed thought and planning before committing.

The AC40 is no exception to that, but what on the outside looks like a very daunting and totally foreign type of sailing actually carries a huge number of similarities to the typical forms of racing that we know and love.

Below we share a bit more information about the day to day life of owning an AC40.

What am I buying?

The goal of the builder - McConaghy Boats and the designers - Emirates Team New Zealand, was to provide a yacht that is very comprehensively prepared at point of sale as they realize that private owners do not have the same resources that we see in the America's Cup world.

Upon delivery owners will receive an AC40 packed onto a 40ft flat rack shipping container that cleverly incorporates both a shipping cradle and shore cradle.

The AC40 is supplied with two foil arms and the T foil rudder, as well as hydraulic systems, electrical cables run, battery packs, charging accessories, all deck hardware installed, running rigging package and a full One Design suit of North Sails.

Each yacht is also shipped with her two piece, "D section" Southern Spars mast and composite standing EC3 rigging from Future Fibres.

AC40 delivery

Commissioning

The AC40 of course carries new technology that none of us are au fait with, however the basics are the same as other yachts and with the majority of the systems commissioned ahead of shipment, most experienced boat captains should not be daunted by this task.

Once an order for a new AC40 is placed, there will be a handover session at the McConaghy factory for teams to attend and learn everything there is to know about these boats, prior to them arriving at their new home port.

On top of that McConaghy Boats and ETNZ are providing an expert to attend the pre-sail commissioning once delivered that will ensure the teams are on the water in the minimal outlay of time.

We are currently also working on a cradle that will allow owners to lift and lower their yachts for foil installation, so teams can be fairly self-sustaining and not requiring large cranes. Remember these hulls weight less than 550kg!

AC40 first ETNZ tow test

AC40 first ETNZ commissioning

Day to day

Like any top end race yacht, leaving the boat on a swing mooring for several weeks is certainly not a wise move, but with both foils down the yacht is very stable at rest and will easily fit alongside a suitable pontoon or stern to as we see mostly in the Med.

Without question the yachts require a support boat/Rib to assist with docking on and off and allowing the easy hoisting of sails. A removable Harken deck winch is in place to assist with the twin mainsail skin hoist.

Support vessels are usually alongside for sail hoisting and the AC40 yacht has a strong towing point located on the bow for faster boat movements.

Each evening the boats power supply will need to be recharged and all charging controllers are supplied as standard. These work off a simple 240v socket and plug into a port below decks.

AC40 launch

Safety

With the speeds the AC40's are capable of, safety is without question one of the high priorities on everyone's minds.

Since foiling yachts became the norm at the top of our sport, a huge number of important lessons have been learnt and implemented into the new AC40.

These include communications, which are run using a Riedel system onboard the yacht integrating comms with helmet safety. Included with each boat is a $10,000 USD allocation to supply and install this system.

In addition, guidance is provided by ETNZ regarding the installation of a portable air tank, with easy access regulator in the event of capsize and provides safety in the most extreme of circumstance.