Switch from manual to automated configuration
The AC40 hull is based on the design of the 36th America's Cup winner, Emirates Team New Zealand Te Rehutai . The first AC40 left the Team New Zealand hangar, towed by the New Zealand team's hydrogen-powered chase boat throughout the day of testing. In its "one design" configuration, the AC40 will be flown via the autopilot flight control. But this commissioning requires a step-by-step process, taking it from a manual foil and flight control configuration, to an automated process after sequences of electronic sensor, foil stabilizer and target testing.
Nathan Outteridge and Ray Davis, the New Zealand team skipper and coach were amazed at how well the autopilot was working as soon as the boat was launched. In the afternoon, the mast was installed to check the rigging and sails.
Immediate take-off
The crew quickly sailed on starboard tack at over 20 knots in a light 8-10 knot breeze. Nathan Outteridge noted the boat's acceleration and reliability, going from 10 knots to 20 in about 5 seconds. The first few sails were in a straight line before a first tack, all upwind, and then a gybe, all foiling.
Despite the light breeze, the AC40 reached a maximum speed of 34 knots downwind and 27 upwind. The team also emphasized the importance of the autopilot for the Women's and Youth America's Cup races, which worked very well in the first trials.
Trainings and Youth and Women Cup
Designed by Emirates Team New Zealand and built by McConaghy Boats, the 11.8m long AC40 is made of carbon composite. Equipped with self-tacking headsails and batteries that power the winch column, the AC40 will be used by the Challengers for Match Race training and preliminary racing, before being used to support the Youth and Women's Cups
