First step for AC40 Class racing

When the AC40 was created as a training platform for the 37th America’s Cup, there was a desire for the boat to have use beyond that. Following a pitch to the public in December 2023 for Class racing, the first private team to join the AC40 Circuit has occurred.

The new team will join the 11 other AC40 yachts already on the water. While wishing to remain anonymous at this stage, the long-running and experienced team says it recognizes that the sport of sailing is changing and desires to stay at the forefront. The team has also ordered a simulator for training and developing skills ahead of the boat’s arrival.

In addition to securing its first private owner, the AC40 Class confirms it has received four expressions of interest from current AC40 teams who have indicated their intentions to race with one or both of their AC40s.

“As interest continues to grow for the AC40 Class, close to a dozen venues have approached us confirming their interest to host events in late 2024 and 2025,” noted class manager Luca Rizzotti. “With easy shipping and logistics for the AC40, some of these venues are incredibly exciting places to sail.

“Now we have confirmed the Class governance and format for racing, we are also starting to develop the commercial opportunities that these boats and this Class is already creating, as we want to establish a class that is just as attractive off the water as it is on.”

Sam Pearson, as head of sales, notes how this is a significant stepping-stone for launching the new Class, but the target remains to sign up four private owners for AC40s before the boats’ construction starts. Adds Pearson, “This way it does not expose any individual owners and will give the Class huge foundations for growth over the next 5-10 years.”

Questions:
• Luca Rizzotti: Luca@AC40CA.org
• Sam Pearson: Sam@ac40ca.org