Artemis Racing sailed with the team’s first AC72 wing today, after an incredible amount of man power from the team. Artemis Racing set out to build a full size wing, and did just that, while other Challengers for the 34th America’s Cup, including the Defender, chose to train for the AC72 catamarans using smaller boats like the AC45 and SL33 catamarans.
“We chose the full scale strategy. Our decision was more time consuming, but it allows us to learn how to handle this powerful wing. Before performance, there is the safety of our team. San Francisco Bay in July and August is an unforgiving place” said CEO Paul Cayard.
The AC72, which is more than 13 stories high, has a tremendous visual impact. At 40 meters high, the primarily carbon fibre giant measures 260 square meters, but weighs just over a ton.
“It was a team effort. It was amazing to see the wing out on the water. It looks great, but at the same time threatening. We will be going through a series of structural tests in the next few days,” said Principal Designer Juan Kouyoumdjian.
Photos courtesy of Artemis Racing
