Looking at the AC75 Class rig

The North Technology Group is full embedded in the America’s Cup, with all six teams using their sails and rigging, while supplying masts to Alinghi Red Bull Racing, Emirates Team New Zealand, and Orient Express Racing Team. In this report, they share details regarding the rigs:

Class Rules
AC75 class rules specify several key one design aspects of mast design and construction. They stipulate the shape (D-section) and the size (within a tolerance) of the mast tube. The Rule also dictates the required carbon fibre specification, including the fibre modulus, areal weight, and resin content. Additionally, the geometry and materials of the fittings, such as shrouds and spreaders, mast rotation restriction to 45°, and the height of the mast rotation ball relative to the waterline are all defined by the rule.

Thickness & Stiffness
Mast bend is the stand-out area where teams can differentiate their masts to influence performance. While the D-spar minimum laminate and core details are specified under AC37 class rules, teams are free to add more laminate if they choose to. There are always weight to performance trade-offs, but there is scope within the teams to increase the overall stiffness of the mast, or to alter the deflection response—optimizing it to suit the desired degree of mast bend that the team’s sail designers are calling for.

No Backstay
While the rigging for AC37 is a fully one design “supplied” component from by Future Fibres, identical onboard each AC75, some significant changes have been made to the rigging packages since the 36th America’s Cup. One talking point is the elimination of the backstay, which also has a knock-on effect on the wider engine above deck. Mast bend, which would conventionally be influenced by backstay control, is now almost solely manged by sail controls.

Another knock-on effect is escalating load through the shrouds, which has required the cap shrouds to be enlarged and jib locks to be upgraded from 5t to 8t for this edition of the Cup. One constant though, and as per the AC36 rule, the Future Fibres rigging packages are equipped with integrated fibre optic load monitoring, for performance analysis and to keep an eye on loading limits.

Looking Ahead
Beyond the talking points we have summarized here, other variables such as luff track, batten stiffness, batten locations, halyard locks, and mainsail controls all sit within the remit of team designers. It remains to be seen which technical factors will rise to the surface during the 37th America’s Cup, but it is a safe bet that ripple effects from technological choices and innovations will be felt around the wider sailing landscape in the coming years.

Viewing details – Race information – Results – Weather forecast

2024 Louis Vuitton Cup 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)

Team New Zealand competes in the round robin stage only, and the results of their races are not included in the challenger leaderboard. Races start at 14:00 CET (08:00 ET) and run until 16:30 or 17:00, depending on the schedule.

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 was from December 1, 2021 until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup could be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the reveal, finally confirming 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 Louis Vuitton Cup 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 competition details, click here.

Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

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

Source: Southern Spars