FIRST AC40 REGATTA SUCCESS
37th America’s Cup
The very first AC40 America’s Cup Preliminary Regattas got off to a flying start in Vilanova, Spain in September, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in December. Six AC40 teams went head-to-head in five and eight races respectively, providing valuable practice and an opportunity for crew to fine-tune their strategies before the America’s Cup Challenger Selection Series in September 2024.
Both events were well attended, with hundreds of spectator boats gathered on the sidelines and choppers buzzing overhead, to watch the very first AC40 fleet racing events. With a wide range of conditions across the events, the regattas were a real spectacle, and spectators were able to witness the spectacular speeds of the AC40’s and exciting, close-quarter manoeuvres.
NYYC American Magic finished at the top of the leaderboard, with Emirates Team New Zealand close behind in Vilanova. While in Jeddah, Emirates Team New Zealand took the win followed by the Italian Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team in second.
AC40 CLASS RACING
This is the first time we’ve seen the AC40’s racing as a fleet, giving a first flavour of what the new AC40 One Design class could look like over the coming years. We were thrilled to host close to 30 interested parties at the Vilanova event, getting them close to the action on our Protector Boats Chase 380. A majority of current America’s Cup teams expressed interest in joining the AC40 class after the AC contest, and the class is aiming for its first event in late 2024 before a full season in 2025.
THE BOATS – AC40
The Preliminary Regattas were raced in strict one design AC40s. These incredible foiling monohulls are the world’s newest and most exciting foiling class, with top speeds reaching 50 knots and beyond. The boats’ controls, sails, foils and mechanisms are all standardised, so the emphasis is on crew work, strategic positioning and foiling technique.
To prepare for these events, all the teams devoted significant time to familiarising themselves with the boats’ controls, undergoing rigorous training sessions in the AC40 Simulators, which are available to buy now, allowing teams to hone their abilities to maximise their performance on the water. The combination of high-speed foiling and the crews’ expertise creates exhilarating and closely contested races.
HOW TO FLY
In conjunction with Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) and McConaghy Boats, the new AC40 is available to buy from Ancasta Race Boats. The AC40 gives private owners access to the latest America’s Cup technology and performance for the first time in sailing history. We have strong interest from multiple private owners and are making plans for an exciting one-design race series.
Want to fly? Get involved
The AC40 is now available to buy from Ancasta.
Contact Sam Pearson to join the foiling revolution.
