AC40 101

Nathan Outteridge from Emirates Team New Zealand shows how to sail the AC40.

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THE AC40 BOAT

The AC40 is not just a smaller version of the AC75 used in the America’s Cup Challenger Series and Final for training and testing purposes by men’s teams, although it does serve that purpose. It is also a foiling monohull one-design boat used by both the Youth and Puig Women’s America’s Cup teams.

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During early testing and trials conducted by Emitrates Team New Zealand, the AC40 achieved speeds of over 40 knots, which is equivalent to more than 75 km/h.

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With a length of 40 feet, the AC40 is equipped with bucket seats for a driver and trimmer on each side. Due to the high speeds involved, the four-person crew remains on their assigned side throughout the race, as it is not safe to switch positions.

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While waiting for the delivery of their AC40, the Youth and Puig Women’s Canadian teams are honing their skills on other foiling one-design boats and boards such as the 69F, Moth, Waszp, IQ Foil (the Olympic-class windsurfing board), and wing foiling.

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AC40 vs AC75

One of the biggest differences is the number of crew aboard each boat. While the AC75 has 8 crew on board, the AC40 is limited to 4 - 2 skippers and 2 sail trimmers.

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Foiling

Foiling in sailing has sparked remarkable innovation in design and technology, creating thrilling spectacles for spectators in stadiums. The reduced resistance achieved through foiling translates to exhilaratingly higher speeds on the water

HULL:

• Carbon composite hull and deck structure
• Twin cockpits

MAST:

• Carbon composite D-spar, 2-piece, single spreader

FOILS:

• Twin canting T-foils
• Steel foil wings and flaps
• Carbon composite foil arms

STEERING:

• Steel-carbon composite raking T-rudder
• Cable steering system
• Twin-helm wheels

CONTROL:

• Full hydraulic control (Cariboni)
• Electric PLC system with flight auto-pilot
• Instrumentation system
• IMU, wind wand, ride-height sensor

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Practice Makes Progress

The AC40 simulator plays a vital role in the team’s training regimen, complementing their on-water practice in various foiling classes. It provides a realistic and immersive experience, allowing the sailors to develop their skills, test strategies, improve teamwork, and refine their understanding of the complexities involved in sailing high-performance foiling boats.

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