Italians splash their America’s Cup AC75
Published on April 13th, 2024
The big reveal for America’s Cup entrants is near complete as teams from Great Britain, New Zealand, Switzerland, and USA have completed the AC75s, with Italy now offering the AC75 that they hope will win the 37th edition. Only the French remain in construction.
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli splashed their boat on April 13 at their home base in Cagliari, and not surprisingly, it is arguably the best-looking boat of this cycle, retro-cool style is everywhere, with the silver sheen hull resonating in the early Spring sunshine, kicking off its heavily arched forms and its deep nod to deck aero.
The hull form is atypical of the new breed of AC75s with a slender bustle running the full length for the Barcelona sea state and tapering off at the bow – perhaps slightly less volume than we’ve seen on Emirates Team New Zealand and certainly less voluminous than Alinghi Red Bull Racing.
The bow profile is sharp, kicking off the immediate flaring underneath whilst on top it is sculpted, tapering forward as low-profile as possible within the volume rule. The pods are deep with the cyclors able to tuck in, almost unseen, behind the helm and trim teams.
Mast, foils, and rudder were legacy components of previous boat iteration, holding back some cards at this stage from the prying eyes of their competitors.
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: ACE