Hydraulics: Key to the Cup?

There are many hidden parts to an America’s Cup campaign where innovation, performance and talent remain unseen.

Hydraulics is one such area, so much so, that when Emirates Team New Zealand’s new race boat is launched next month, there will be very little of the department’s work on display to the public or reconnaissance cameras.

However, without an optimal hydraulics team running the complex AC75 hydraulics system, winning the America’s Cup would be a lot harder than it already is for the teams.

“The whole system on the boat, like the lifeline or the blood of the boat, is hydraulics and hydraulic oil,” explained Peter ‘Brush’ Thomas who heads up the Hydraulics department of Emirates Team New Zealand. The boats, either AC40 or AC75 will not operate without hydraulics, so it is the ‘hydro team’ that ‘wake up’ the boat in preparation for sailing each day.

“We are one of the first group of people in to turn the boat on, fire up the hydraulics, do a quick visual test and pressure tests and check the systems are going to be functional for the entire day,” explained hydro team engineer James Graham.

But that is far from the end of their daily job list explains hydraulics engineer Ethan Jones, “It is an endless task for the team, along with pre and post sail checks, you’re always working on something. Testing and assembling manifolds, making new hoses, it’s just constantly changing on the boat so it’s cool.”

There are three different hydraulic systems on the AC75 boat which the sailing team utilizes to sail the boat. So, when creating the overall hydraulic systems, it is the sailors that provide the input on what they ultimately want when sailing, and that filters down through the mechatronics team, to the hydraulics department to produce the hardware on the boat in an effective working condition.

Scott Barnes, who is the lead hydro engineer, explains the three different hydraulic systems on the AC75’s, “The cyclors are powering pumps under the deck, and they’re controlling the sail functions that change the shape of the sails and make the boat go faster essentially.

Then there is the FCS system, which is the foil cant system, powered by batteries. That’s a one design component which all the teams have, and that’s what you’ll see operate in every maneuver where the boat’s tacking and gybing.

Finally, there is the flight control system, which is the rake of the rudder, and the flaps down underwater, and those move like an airplane wing as well, which helps to fly the boat,” said Barnes.

The hydro team of Peter Thomas, Scott Barnes, James Graham, Ethan Jones are a tight group that have been working tirelessly for the past few years and have recently been joined by RNZAF Aircraft technician Michal Johnston who is taking a year’s leave from the Airforce to join the Emirates Team New Zealand hydro team.

“Everything that moves on the boat is through a hydraulic ram and it’s not too alien in terms of aircraft hydraulic. There are different systems but the physics are all the same. So like an aircraft all of the systems need to be really looked after,” said Johnston. “It’s a busy but dynamic place to work with big hours but it’s cool and there’s a big team. We are all working towards a goal and we all help each other out.”

So what’s the sign of a successful day for the Emirates Team New Zealand hydro team according to Brush?

“Probably the biggest success is when the boat comes back from a day on the water and we just do our checks and everything’s good, because then you know that all the modifications that you’ve been working on actually mean something and you’re actually progressing.”

Final word to one of the long-time stalwarts of Emirates Team New Zealand shore crew James Graham, “It’s not always easy and it’s not always fun, but you appreciate just what we have here. We’ve got a good group of people that work hard and are aiming for the same goal.” Which to nobody’s surprise is winning the America’s Cup in October this year.

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 begins October 12, 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)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)

2023-24 Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 22-25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain

2024 Challenger Selection Series
August 29-September 8: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 5: Finals (Best of 13)

2024 America’s Cup
October 12-21: 37th Match (Best of 13)

For more schedule details, click here.
Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

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

Source: Emirates Team New Zealand