America’s Cup - ETNZ launches 1st AC75 (new)

[jmh2002]

Yes they are modified AC50 catamaran hulls.

[jmh2002]

America's Cup Rialto: December 14 - A race at last - Practice Day 4

https://www.sail-world.com/news/233861/?source=rss

Just another update after Monday's practice racing for those that don't follow the AC news every day.

Luna Rossa triumped over American Magic, and Ineos Team UK had another epic fail in both races against ETNZ, falling off the foils during the prestart, being unable to get foiling again, and not even crossing the start line...

Although there is still some boat modifications and development to come, for the moment the current pecking order is clear: ETNZ > Luna Rossa > American Magic > Ineos Team UK

There is another day of practice today, Tuesday, and then the World Series regatta and the Christmas Cup is set to run from this Thursday to Sunday.

Monday’s winds ranged from six to 10 knots, and forecasts are similar for Tuesday’s practice races.

The long-range outlook for the entire four days of the World Series regatta sees winds at the low end of the 6.5 knots windspeed limit.

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by CassidyNZ

Does this Xmas regatta not contribute points to the challengers based on their relative performance? Maybe not but if it does, their inability to perform in this regatta could compromise their bid to be the official challenger in the AC.



If there are points up for grabs next week, it’s surely going to be a balls-to-the-wall display from all the challenger entrants. Maybe they won’t hang it all out there next week but like someone else said, they’re not blessed with the time needed to ease their wares into the game.



ETNZ of course have to reveal nothing they don’t want to. They don’t have to score any points.

The Christmas Cup provides no points that are carried forward to the Prada Cup, which will be used for selecting the challenger.

So just as for the practice races now, there is no benefit for any team to race full out and to show their strengths. Hopefully Team NZ is not revealing it’s best pace and techniques. But it may explain why the other teams are not really showing up.

Even in the Christmas Cup I would expect that the boats, while racing, won’t show off their full capabilities.

On the other hand, racing is the only way to really test your speed and techniques under pressure. Hopefully the racing won’t be just pre-start and part of first leg, then sand bagging.

Big question is what is going on with Team Ineos UK. Are there structural issues, are they rebuilding the boat or foils, or what?

[fxykty]

First race half done, Team NZ absolutely dominating over Luna Rossa - slightly better angles it seems, speeds are similar, less double foils time, flying very low.

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by fxykty

First race half done, Team NZ absolutely dominating over Luna Rossa - slightly better angles it seems, speeds are similar, less double foils time, flying very low.

Looking closely at the deck/cockpit layouts, the kiwis are almost completely sheltered, while the Italian crew is half exposed.

[jmh2002]

First official race day today and ETNZ was totally dominant in Race 1, winning the start, winning the first cross, and then seemingly lighting the afterburners and extending their lead on each leg, hitting averages of mid to high 30s upwind and low to mid 40s downwind, in around 15kn true from the SW and relatively flat water.

Total dominance from ETNZ, winning by a leg, and over 3 minutes.

Wow...

[jmh2002]

Originally Posted by fxykty

Looking closely at the deck/cockpit layouts, the kiwis are almost completely sheltered, while the Italian crew is half exposed.

Agreed, everyone has been commenting on how 'smooth and aero' Luna Rossa looks, as well as about the Airbus influence on American Magic, so they must have good aero, but ETNZ have done the same as in Bermuda - get the crew much lower in the boat and less exposed. Boat 1 was like this too.

Are you out on the water today fxykty?

[cj88]

Just watched the first race today with ETNZ beating Luna Rossa by over three minutes. A great start by ETNZ and very quick upwind. They just kept extending the lead throughout the race.

[Boatguy30]

Yep, watching on TV 1 from the Grand Millennium due to getting screwed by customs on quarantine period!
Cheers!

[jmh2002]

Disaster for Ineos in Race 2 against American Magic, so I suspect that Luna Rossa will beat them easily in Race 3 too.

The one to watch will be Race 4 between American Magic and ETNZ.

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by jmh2002

Disaster for Ineos in Race 2 against American Magic, so I suspect that Luna Rossa will beat them easily in Race 3 too.

The one to watch will be Race 4 between American Magic and ETNZ.

Ineos pulled out of race 3 with one foil not working and sounding afraid of getting caught up in the spectator fleet. Looked like they came really close to capsizing. They’ve had issues all week and haven’t fixed the problem(s). I really hope they can get it together. On edit: hydraulic pressure failed for the whole boat.

Yup, race 4 is the one today.

Sadly, at work due to a ton of meetings. Same tomorrow. But will be getting out on the water tomorrow afternoon and spending all weekend out there. We plan to anchor behind Rangitoto Lighthouse, the white/red barber pole sometimes visible in the background.

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

Yep, watching on TV 1 from the Grand Millennium due to getting screwed by customs on quarantine period!

Cheers!

When do you get out? You can join us this weekend if you can/want.

[75Driver]

It’s a real shame the entire AC has evolved into a very small contingent of elite money/design efforts. I miss the days when you had 6-8 challengers, dual boat teams, more traditional vessels, etc. I know these foil cats are amazing tech and fast as all get out but limiting participation doesn’t help the sport evolve or attract spectators. At least with the old 12M the average sailor could relate. With these recent boats almost nobody can relate. I’ll watch it when I can because it’s incredible tech but it’s not for everyone.

EDIT: BTW...where can one watch the races? VPN to NZ somehow? Don’t see them scheduled in the US.

EDIT 2: Found a live report. Pretty interesting. Seems that Team NZ finally found a worthy competitor.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/americ...series-regatta

[cj88]

Try watching here. https://www.americascup.com/en/live

[jmh2002]

Originally Posted by cj88

Try watching here. https://www.americascup.com/en/live

And don't forget the Virtual Eye feed too:

https://www.americascup.com/en/advanced-dashboard