Presenting the AC40, a scaled AC75 foiling day-racer designed by Emirates Team New Zealand and built by McConaghy.
A one-design class that brings America’s Cup foiling performance to a competitive racing circuit.
With self-tacking headsails and battery power replacing grinders, the yacht is sailed by two helmsmen and two trimmers. An autopilot control system maintains stable flight.
The AC40 hull shape is based on that of Te Rehutai- but is already a generational step forward incorporating a number of developments learned after the completion of AC36 last year.
In usual America’s Cup fashion, the AC40 design and production timeline has been highly condensed yet achievable due to a global collaboration led by Emirates Team New Zealand design team with Dan Bernasconi and Richard Meacham central to the management of the production process with Mark Evans Group Managing Director of McConaghy Boats.
“While the genesis of the AC40 project coming from the familiar design and innovation of the people within the Emirates Team New Zealand design department we have really had to push the limits by utilizing a combination of the best of the New Zealand Marine industry as well as key offshore partnerships.
With the likes of Southern Spars and the boat building talent we have at the ETNZ build facility for more specialised elements like the rig and foil arms, we also have a great partnership utilizing the production power of an organisation like McConaghy Boats in China for the hulls, decks and fit out as well as North Sails Marine group with the aero package.” said Meacham.
