America's Cup: Emirates Team NZ reveal AC75 ahead of time
by Sail-World.com/nz 12 Apr 2024 02:56 BST
12 April 2024
Emirates Team New Zealand new AC75 is rolled out of the shed for the first time - April 12, 2024 © Hamish Hooper / ETNZ
Emirates Team New Zealand unexpectedly rolled their new AC75 out of the shed, on Friday, during a break in the gales which have been lashing Auckland.
The boat is the second new AC75 to be revealed, after Alinghi Red Bull Racing a week ago. Italian challenger Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli will reveal their new AC75 in Cagliari, Sardinia on Saturday.
At first take the AC75 is a continuation of the Te Rehutai and AC40 genre, rather than moving in a new design direction.
The AC75 is the product of an intensive 10 month building program, and will be launched and commissioned next week.
It was wheeled out late on Friday morning to have its rig stepped and rigging checked in preparation for its launch and first sail. The first task will be a tow test which is standard practice for commissioning a foiling monohull.
“It is always a pretty significant moment for any team. The first time their race boat emerges from the shed and sees the light of day.” said Emirates Team New Zealand COO Kevin Shoebridge.
“These moments are some of the most revealing of any campaign. So much of any America’s Cup campaign goes on behind closed doors and with the utmost secrecy protecting designs and plans, but there always comes a time when you need to show some of your cards. And although what we have revealed today is not all of our cards, it sure gives everyone an indication of our design path.”
Currently the AC75 is sailing on Course E, or the Back Paddock, in 10-15kt off shore winds and occasional rain squalls.
Sail-World will run another Cup Spy Special as soon as the Recon images are available.