McConaghy Boats Help Gear Up for the 37th America’s Cup

July 2022

Formula 1 budgets, and rock star sailors completing jaw-dropping manoeuvres on super high-tech equipment make the spectacle of competing for “The Auld Mug” compulsive viewing. As the number-one event in the yacht racing world, the America’s Cup attracts the best of the best from the world of sailing. To be involved, you have to be at the top of your game; there’s no room for second best.

Consistently at the forefront of composite technology, and builders of some of the most successful racing yachts in the world, it’s no surprise that McConaghy Boats have become a key player in the next Cup, producing 11 AC40s at their facility in China.

This One-Design foiling monohull, designed by Emirates Team New Zealand, will be used by teams for training, development and America’s Cup preliminary regattas. The purchase of an AC40 is a prerequisite to entry into the Cup. The AC40 is also the boat of choice for the new America’s Cup Women’s Regatta and America’s Cup Youth events, a key program in developing the next generation of elite sailors.

With speed predictions of up to 44 knots (155 degrees downwind in 20 knots of TWS), the AC40 is designed and built to withstand loads and stresses that would have been unthinkable in a 40-foot yacht a few years ago. Battery power replaces grinders, and with a self-tacking headsail, the yacht is sailed by two helmsmen and two trimmers. An autopilot control system maintains stable flight.

The first AC40 will leave the McConaghy facility in China in July, ready for commissioning in New Zealand the following month. Successive boats will roll out in 5-week increments; an unprecedented challenge to say the least. Watch the video below to see how it’s done.

It’s going to be fun watching the AC40 going through its paces in the coming year!