Lary Ellison and Russel Coutts (two actors of the last America's Cup that was held in Bermuda) want to have the AC50 flying catamarans refueled.
A spectacular formula in Bermuda in 2017
Back to the past. In 2017 was run the 35 e America's Cup on AC50 catamarans. These boats equipped with foils carried 6 crew members, 4 of whom were used to maintain a hydraulic power unit to operate the foils and adjust the sail (in this case a rigid wing). The regatta was held in Bermuda between 5 boats, each representing a nation. France was present with Groupama skippered by Franck Camas. Currently 4 boats are available 2 others are announced under construction.
A stopover in France in Marseille
To bring them back to life and let us enjoy these fantastic flying machines, a new circuit called SailGP has just been announced. It will start in mid-February 2019 in Sydney, then San Francisco, New York, in the south of England and in France in Marseille. 6 nations will be represented, including France with Billy Besson as helmsman.
The boat, to run in monotype will all be modified, and changes its name to F50 (F for Foil) with an identical foil and wing control system as well as a sufficient energy reserve for the entire race. This major change will limit the number of team members to 5.
In front of the America's Cup
An international circuit, a confrontation between nations, Louis Vuitton as a partner... all this is very similar to the America's Cup! Especially since the circuit will be set up one year before the first Cup events. Not sure that the New Zealanders and the Italians organizing the 36 e Cut, see it with a good eye...
