A Very Short Discussion About AC72s and AC45s Part VI
The actual America's Cup begins in September of 2013, which is two Super bowls away. Still, there are a few things about the America's Cup Race number 34 that are highly interesting right now.
The first, the boats used in the race will be AC72s. These are 72-foot catamarans built to a box rule, which includes winged mainsails. There is no report that any have been launched or even built at this date. The thinking about using these big cats began in the spring of 2010 and has developed with remarkable speed. There will be much more about the 72s as they are launched.
Profiles of the AC 72 and AC 45
Concurrent with the development of the AC72 concept, an idea for an AC45 was put on the table. These smaller, proportional cats are considered "little sisters with an attitude". These magnificent racing machines have three expressed purposes. The first is to provide a less expensive platform for AC teams to train on. Apparently it is less expensive to crash something 45 feet long than something 72 feet long.
The second is to help raise interest in the America's Cup event to be held in the fall of 2013. The method is an America's Cup World Series. This is a series of 10 regatta style events, that began last August 2011, that will be held throughout the world. Part of the racing will be fleet style, some will be match racing. The World Series has been called "a dress rehearsal" for the actual America's Cup. Currently there are nine teams chasing each other around the world and even though the results of this World Series will not have a direct effect on who gets to sail in the big show, it is already becoming clear which teams will have the best shot at the Cup.
The third purpose is the AC45s will be used in a youth sailing program beginning in 2012. Imagine putting a crew of 16 year olds on boats that routinely sail in excess of 30 knots and capsize spectacularly.
A policy the of the America's Cup governance is to fine tune the televising of yacht racing in general, to make yacht racing more accessible to the sport viewing public. The AC45s are helping out with that policy by cooperating with the media by mounting cameras on board as well as designing courses that can be viewed from shore. With all this media attention, the crews will have to mind their manners on the boats.
Oracle Spithill finishing up a successful regatta in San Diego.
Oracle Spithill tangling with Team Korea on Plymouth Sound Winds were at 30 knots
Nine teams steaming up the water, fleet style racing on Plymouth Sound
Emeritus Team New Zealand sailing hard in Cascias. This team will be a serious contender at the big show
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