The AC40, the little sister of the AC75s used in the 36th America’s Cup, has gone into production.
The tooling for the hull of the new class is being cut by a 7-axis CNC machine at McConaghy Boats in China. The AC40 hull shape is based on Te Rehutai, the New Zealand AC75 that successfully defended the America’s Cup in New Zealand last year. The rigs will be built by Southern Spars and the foil arms will come from Emirates Team New Zealand. McConaghy Boats will build the hulls and decks. North Sails Marine group will supply the aero packages.
Eight AC40s have already been ordered. The first boat is expected to be shipped to the Emirates Team New Zealand base in Auckland in July for an August commissioning. A new boat should be delivered every five weeks thereafter.
With a self-tacking headsail and battery power replacing the grinders, the AC40 will be sailed by two helmsmen and two trimmers. An autopilot system will control flight.
In light winds, the AC40 is expected to sail at up to 26 knots upwind and 30 knots downwind. At the upper limits of 20 knots true wind speed, the boats are expected to reach 39 knots upwind and 44 knots downwind.
You can read more about the one-design class, which is intended to bring more women and young sailors into the America’s Cup, at the America’s Cup website.
