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Luna Rossa outfitted their AC45 with foils for training in Cagliari in summer of
2014. Oracle Team USA has also tested foils on their AC45, but the yachts have
not raced in that configuration. Image:©2014 Luna Rossa challenge/Carlo
Borlenghi.
The six America’s Cup teams have agreed to a
project that will see the existing fleet of AC45 catamarans modified into fully
foiling catamarans for racing in the America’s Cup World Series (ACWS).
Importantly, the teams have also committed to continue to race the foiling AC45s
on the America’s Cup World Series circuit in 2018, following the conclusion of
the 35th America’s Cup in 2017.
“I’m pleased all of the competitors have agreed on a way forward, beyond the
current America’s Cup cycle,” said Harvey Schiller, the Commercial Commissioner
for the 35th America’s Cup.
“To have the teams give certainty to all stakeholders as to what will happen
following the racing in 2017, regardless of who wins, is a huge step forward for
all involved.”
The teams have undertaken the project to modify the one-design AC45s into fully
foiling catamarans with a view to racing the foiling versions as early as the
2015 ACWS season.
A feasibility study has been commissioned to determine whether the mods will
need to wait until the 2016 season as the timeline to make changes to the entire
fleet ahead of racing in 2015 is extremely tight.
The competitors have also appointed a working group to select a Regatta
Director, as required by the Protocol.
--- From America's Cup Event Authority
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