Feature

America’s Cup: New fish killer on Pensacola Bay

Published on March 6th, 2023

America’s Cup challenger New York Yacht Club American Magic christened its new AC40 “America” on February 28th, beginning a new chapter of training at its winter base in Pensacola, FL. Later this summer, the team will begin two-boat testing with a second AC40 in Barcelona, Spain.

It took little time for the USA crew as they shredded Pensacola Bay on only their second day of sailing America, reveling in a 12-15 knot consistent breeze that allowed the sailors to let rip and get more than comfortable with their new charge.

With helms on each side, Tom Slingsby and Paul Goodison were unleashed, plus Riley Gibbs got a turn on the helm in the afternoon, proving this American talent is coming through fast in the America’s Cup world.

“You can’t really give McConaghy’s and the whole design structure behind this boat enough props because they did a really good job,” noted Terry Hutchinson, Skipper and President of Sailing Operations. “I mean it’s awesome to be two days into it and basically the guys are out there ripping around Pensacola Bay.”

Hutchinson explained that the agenda for when boat two arrives will be foil development along with racing development in their timeline toward the 37th America’s Cup in 2024. Each team is required to buy at least one AC40, but American Magic noted how two boats would enhance their race skills which was deemed a weakness in the 36th America’s Cup.

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