American Magic flies new boat to Barcelona

American Magic reached a significant milestone in its challenge for the 37th America’s Cup as its newly constructed AC75 boat – B3 – completed its journey from the build facility in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, to the team’s base in Barcelona, Spain.

The journey of B3 began in November 2022 when the boatbuilding team at the team’s build facility in Portsmouth commenced construction. Led by production manager Brandon Linton, the team poured over 70,000 hours into crafting the team’s new AC75 race yacht.

“Boat Three was conceived by the American Magic design team, with Britt Ward and Pete Melvin leading as the principal hull designers,” explained Terry Hutchinson, President of Sailing Operations. “It’s unbelievable and pretty impressive to see what has been created at the hands of the American Magic team.”

On March 24, 2024, B3 was loaded onto a truck in Portsmouth for transport to Providence Airport where it was loaded onto an Antonov AN124, one of the world’s largest cargo planes, for its transatlantic flight to Barcelona.

“The coordination involved in shipping via the Antonov was a crucial aspect,” noted Hutchinson. “The execution, from loading at TF Green airport to the precise offload in Barcelona, every detail, from securing landing clearance to weather conditions, played a role in this success.

“It’s each one of these operational pieces that we execute effectively and efficiently, which builds confidence in the team as a whole because it’s something that we need to be able to do day in and day out.”

Upon touchdown in Barcelona the next day, B3 was unloaded from the aircraft and transported to the team’s base, where it would undergo commissioning, testing, and preparation ahead of its unveiling later this spring.

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 7: 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: American Magic