Update on AC75s progress

Like everyone in the world, the America’s Cup is not untouched by the effects of COVID-19. Very quickly it became apparent that the unavoidable cancellations of the ACWS events in Cagliari and Portsmouth would have to happen.

Teams now have no more information on their relative performance other than what they already know via differing levels of early reconnaissance. American Magic’s Skipper, Terry Hutchinson, acknowledged recently, “We missed the opportunity to see where we are vulnerable by not being able to race in Cagliari or Portsmouth. It’s going to require us to lean that much harder on the design side of the program.”

The biggest question mark is the progress on the teams’ second AC75s currently in production. Build timelines that were established long before COVID-19 are near impossible to change without flow-on effects to the wider campaign. Some production continues, some has been halted.

Emirates Team New Zealand

The Defender Emirates Team New Zealand has the advantage of already physically residing in its hometown which is the venue of the 36th America’s Cup. However, the build of its second AC75 has been halted for five weeks while New Zealand has locked down. Additionally, Te Aihe its first AC75, is still on its way to Italy and back as it has been since late January.

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team

The Challenger of Record, still set up and riding out the national lockdown in Cagliari, has continued work at its base making repairs on its first AC75 which had significant bow damage in early March. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team is likely the team that is best set to get back out on the water. It has made recent indications that its intention is to leave its arrival in Auckland until the last quarter of the year once it’s made the most of the testing program over the summer.

NYYC American Magic

American Magic remains in Pensacola as the US is in lockdown. The team has its first AC75, Defiant, at its Florida base. The build of its second AC75 has continued in Rhode Island thanks to some assistance from the State Governor and the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association.

INEOS TEAM UK

The British INEOS Team UK AC75 has just returned to its home base in Portsmouth after the intended summer base in Cagliari was promptly packed up in March. The decision to unpack and sail in the UK for the summer once lockdown passes or redirect the shipment to Auckland as soon as the opportunity arises has to be taken. The build of its second AC75 has continued around the clock at Carrington Boats. The team’s Auckland base is the most advanced of all challengers and is already well into construction, although work has been suspended.

Stars and Stripes Team USA

Stars and Stripes co-founder, Taylor Canfield, states the team has jumped on the opportunity that the cancellation of the ACWS has presented in buying time to complete the build of its AC75 and get to Auckland by later in the year.