America’s Cup: The return of a winner

Emirates Team New Zealand built two AC75s to successfully defend their America’s Cup title in 2021, and now both boats have returned to action. While the Kiwi’s first boat was sold to challenger Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI), the boat that won the 36th edition has been out of sight for two years. But no longer…

Emirates Team New Zealand’s winning yacht, named Te Rehutai, emerged from the shed after a long hibernation on March 20, sporting new livery and and technical changes to adapt to the 37th America’s Cup AC75 class rules.

One of the more obvious changes for Te Rehutai is the installation of bikes as a power source as opposed to the former grinding pedestals from AC36. While banned for the 2021 Cup, the rules were revised for 2024 in part to help power the AC75s which will sail with three less crew in 2024.

“It no secret that most, if not all, of the teams are going down the cyclor path in their AC75 designs for Barcelona,” said Cyclor Simon van Velthooven. “Obviously we have some experience with cycling from the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda, but that was six years ago now, so we have been working closely with the designers to create the most efficient systems possible.”

For Emirates Team New Zealand, having previously focused on the commissioning of their AC40s as well as a block of two boat testing and race simulation, getting ‘the big boat’ back out presents yet another step up in intensity for the team in an ever-decreasing timeline towards Barcelona in 2024.

“It is a mindset change and step up for everyone,” explained Boat Captain Spencer Loxton, “It’s a big boat relative to what we have had, and it opens up a whole heap more jobs for everyone. It is the next phase for the campaign so focus and attention to detail to get the most out of our testing period is important.”

Emirates Team New Zealand COO Kevin Shoebridge notes how it has been a full team effort in the shadows to get Te Rehutai back out sailing again.

“From the team of boat builders at our production facility that have quietly undertaken the refit over the past few months, to our designers and engineers that have pushed the envelope of design as usual and of course the shore crew that work tirelessly to reach such critical deadlines. It is something this team can be proud of for just one minute before focusing on what will be a very intense period of sailing over the coming while.”

Te Rehutai will be the third AC75 back on the water for the 37th America’s Cup campaign, following Alinghi in Barcelona and American Magic in Pensacola, USA.

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period opened December 1, 2021 and runs until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup may be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the venue reveal, confirming it would be Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup will be held in September/October 2024.

Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• K-Challenge Racing (FRA)

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Additional details: www.americascup.com/en/home