Emirates Team New Zealand has unveiled its strategy for the 38th America’s Cup, set to take place in Naples in July 2027, during a recent media session in Auckland. The team provided insights into their repurposed AC75 vessel, which they aim to sail as part of their defense of the prestigious trophy.
Initially scheduled to sail the AC75 on Tuesday, the team had to postpone due to an unexpected easterly wind. The AC75, which rolled out of the shed and had its mast installed, was subsequently de-rigged and returned to the shed after the sailing session was canceled.
The AC75 will commence its campaign in the same configuration that led to success in Barcelona during their previous defense. With a strict limit of 45 sailing days imposed on all teams until mid-January 2027, the team recognizes that each sailing day is crucial for preparation.
Key Developments in Design and Crew Dynamics
Dan Bernasconi, the team’s chief designer, mentioned that the early sailing will utilize the same wing foils as the previous America’s Cup. Significant upgrades include a transition to push-button adjustments for all control systems, though details about changes in the deck area remain undisclosed. One of the immediate challenges for the team is that only three members of the sailing squad have prior experience with the AC75, necessitating a focus on crew familiarization and system checks during initial sailing days.
“There are quite a few goals for our sailing coming up,” said skipper Nathan Outteridge. “We seek to get our new sailors up to speed on how to sail the boat. The internal control system has changed quite a bit, so testing is essential. Once we have some days under our belt, it will be about understanding the boat’s performance.”
Outteridge emphasized the importance of the boat being lighter, stating that this will help in addressing the designers’ inquiries on how to enhance speed for future races. This sentiment was echoed by three-time America’s Cup winner Andy Maloney, who expressed admiration for the new squad members’ rapid acclimatization and eagerness to learn.
Performance Expectations and Design Changes
According to Bernasconi, the 2027 AC75 features notable differences from its predecessor despite sharing the same hull shape and using legacy masts from the 2024 Cup. He pointed out that the most significant performance change will be an earlier takeoff due to weight reductions, which would improve performance in lighter wind conditions. However, this reduction in weight similarly means that the boat will have less righting moment in stronger winds, potentially impacting its top-end speed.
“On paper, the boats may appear slower, but advancements in foils, sails and control systems should compensate for that,” he added. Bernasconi also assured that the apply of legacy gear, including spars and some sails, would not hinder performance development, as the focus will be on iterating design elements that are open for innovation.
New Crew Members and Training Challenges
This week marks a significant milestone for Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist Jo Aleh, who will be sailing on an AC75 for the first time, joining most of her teammates who are also new to the vessel. Aleh highlighted the steep learning curve ahead, noting, “This week, when we actually get on the boat for the first time, it’s going to be another pretty steep learning curve.”
With the sailing crew expanding from four to five members, the team faces the challenge of effectively utilizing the additional crew. Aleh remarked that even as some roles are established from the previous Cup, there will be opportunities for all crew members to learn and develop new skills. “The question is, how do we use five people to sail the boat better than the four did last time?”
Despite the challenges, Aleh remains focused on her commitment to the AC75, stating, “My priority is 100% with the sizeable boat.” She is also actively involved in helping the women’s team prepare for their upcoming AC40 program.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Naples
As the AC75 induction progresses, the team anticipates a rigorous training schedule to maximize their sailing days. However, they will not sail the AC75 in Europe during the summer, opting instead to utilize their AC40 program to familiarize themselves with the nuances of the Naples venue. With fresh winds expected over the coming week, the sailing squad may face a challenging initiation.
Late entries for the 38th America’s Cup are closing soon, with expectations of at least one new team joining the competition. As Emirates Team New Zealand prepares for this new chapter, their focus remains on refining their strategies and enhancing their performance ahead of the championship.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to stay tuned as the team embarks on this exciting journey, and discussions about the upcoming campaign are welcome.
