The AC75 or America's Cup 75 is the sailing class governing the construction and operations of the boats being used in the 36th America's Cup. Here's some key features of the boat, so you can watch along as an expert:
1. The AC75 is a 75ft monohull with no keel. What does that mean? It simply means that the boat has a single hull or main body of the boat, and the boat doesn't have a structure along it's base that would usually aid in stability
2. It features sailing hydrofoils mounted on topside longitudinal drums. These foils are twin canting T-Foils with a maximum draft of 5m and foil wing span of 4m.
3. A centerline T-foil rudder with a maxiumum draft of 3.5m and maximum span of 3m.
4. A crew of 11 sailors (crew weight 960 - 990 kg)
5. Main Sail 135 -145 sq. m. Jib 90 sq. m. Code Zero 200 sq. m.
The AC75 combines the best of both worlds, reminiscent of the old America’s Cup classes with the monohull with soft sails, while incorporating hydrofoils for high performance and excitement. And if the AC75 is one thing, it’s exciting to watch. Capable of exceeding speeds of 50 Knots or 92km per hour the spectacle of two of these boats pitted head-to-head, crewed by some of the very best sailors and strength endurance athletes in the world is a must watch.
Make sure you catch all the 36th America’s Cup action as Emirates Team New Zealand battle it out with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team to claim glory and the cup. You can watch live here.
Want to know more about the class rules? Learn more here.