Key Questions Surrounding America’s Cup Syndicates’ New AC75 Hull Shapes
The America’s Cup teams are in a design race like no other, with three out of the six syndicates having unveiled their new AC75 hull shapes. The unveiling of these new race boats has left one burning question on everyone’s mind – who got it right?
Team New Zealand, Alinghi Red Bull Racing, and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli have all showcased their new vessels, each with its own unique design. Team NZ’s head of design, Dan Bernasconi, expressed his excitement at seeing the differences between the boats, noting that despite having the same aims and criteria, each team has come up with something distinct.
While the hull shape is a crucial aspect of the design, Bernasconi emphasized that the technology below deck, such as the foils, sails, and rudder, plays a significant role in the boat’s performance. These elements can be continually developed throughout the campaign, making it a constant process of improvement.
As the teams prepare to launch their boats, Bernasconi highlighted the importance of analyzing not just the visible hull shape but also the hidden systems within the vessel. Understanding the choices made by other teams and how they may impact performance is key to staying competitive in the race.
Team NZ will be maximizing their time on the water before shipping their AC75 to Barcelona for the final stages of the campaign. With changes still possible to the sails and rudder, the team is focused on getting the most out of their boat and fine-tuning their performance for the ultimate showdown in Catalonia.
As the anticipation builds for the America’s Cup, fans and teams alike are eagerly awaiting to see who will come out on top in this high-stakes design race.