America's Cup: Youth AC yacht nails foiling gybes - Video
by Andrew Delves/RNZYS 25 Jun 2020 07:16 UTC
Kotare - America's Cup Youth Boat - AC9F - sailing on the Waitemata - June 24, 2020 © Andrew Delves
The brand new AC9F Youth America's Cup yacht has undergone an official on-water sail testing day in Auckland with fantastic results, and the event is well on track for 2021.
With two female and two male crew on board, the boat was up on the foils straight away, and was pushing speeds of up to thirty knots. The crew even managed a few foiling gybes and showed - even in this early testing stage - that the AC9F is the real deal and will be an incredibly exciting boat to see in action during next year's event.
This first AC9F has been designed and built in New Zealand in a collaboration between Yachting Developments and the NZ Marine Industry, including Southern Spars, Harken and North Sails. It is great to have had this unique project built here in New Zealand, generating jobs and money for the country.
Yachting Developments owner Ian Cook was out on the water to witness the boat in action and was incredibly happy with the outcome.
"It was great to see the boat sailing and working well, we are thrilled with how it performed. It has been a big combined effort from the NZ Marine Industry to make this happen, and to see it flying on the foils at speed today was a massive result for everyone involved."
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has received seventeen confirmed entries with fifteen of these teams' internationals. With more in the pipeline, the goal of twenty teams is looking likely. Collectively the teams are set to bring in over two-hundred-and-fifty people to New Zealand, all of whom will be staying in the country for several months which will have a significantly positive impact on the New Zealand economy. This figure doesn't include families and spectators, which will then push this impact up even further.
"This event is going to be huge for New Zealand and we can't wait to see all the teams here and getting stuck in," RNZYS CEO Hayden Porter said.
"A huge amount of hard work has gone on behind the scenes gathering entries and getting the first boat ready to go. This event is set to have a very important impact on the New Zealand economy, and will bring in the equivalent of two America's Cup teams worth of people into the country for a long period of time. It will generate tens of millions of dollars for New Zealand. Teams will soon begin the immigration process and are willing to quarantine at their expense to ensure they can compete as required."
Gender diversity is one of the main draw cards and motivations for this reinvigorated Youth America's Cup, with all teams required to include two male and two female crew members.
Yachting Developments' and Ocean Race sailor Bianca Cook was on board for the testing and is really excited by the gender diversity rule for this event."It was a lot of fun, I only wish I was young enough to be able to compete in the event next year! I think this event is going to be a great success and the gender diversity makes it really interesting. I think to have this rule in place can only be a positive for the sport of sailing, and paves the way for female sailors to be involved in major sailing events such as the America's Cup."
The Youth America's Cup will take place over a 3 week period in the off sailing days of the Prada Cup Challenger Series finals and America's Cup Match, the dates are February 18th - 23rd, March 1st - 5th, and March 8th - 12th 2021.
Teams are set to begin arriving later this year for training preparations, and now with the first boat in the water and performing well, the countdown is on for what is going to be a superb event in Auckland in 2021.
For more information on the Youth America's Cup see the official website: www.youthamericascup.com
Related Articles
Entangled humpback whale successfully cut free
The response took several days and involved a broad array of agencies, organizations, and volunteers
A humpback whale was entangled in fishing gear in Iliuliuk Bay, near the Port of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Due to the efforts of NOAA, partners, and local trained volunteers, it was successfully cut free.
Posted on 28 Apr
Introducing the super fast Baltic 80 custom
Conceived as a high-speed offshore cruiser
An 80ft full custom project with an impressive power-to-weight ratio is nearing completion at Baltic Yachts in Jakobstad, Finland and due to launch in early summer.
Posted on 26 Apr
Royal Huisman announces record-setting sloop: Noir
Conceived by a skilled owner and his team for pleasure of sailing with his loved ones
With the new contract for Project 411, Dutch custom superyacht builder Royal Huisman enters record territory again with Noir, an 81-metre / 264-foot sailing yacht.
Posted on 25 Apr
Henri-Lloyd New Arrival: The Storm Dri Backpack
Perfect for any outdoor activity, commute and boat to shore use
Perfect for any outdoor activity, commute and boat to shore use. The Storm Dri Backpack is waterproof, submersible and capable of holding all your kit essentials with a 30 litre capacity.
Posted on 24 Apr
The Ocean Cleanup breaks 10,000,000 kg barrier
Earth Day announcement showcases the power of data and technology in solving ocean plastic pollution
The Ocean Cleanup, the global non-profit project, has removed a verified all-time total of ten million kilograms (22 million lbs.) of trash from oceans and rivers around the world - approximately the same weight as the Eiffel Tower.
Posted on 22 Apr
Swan 88 hybrid electric propulsion yacht launched
At the Boatbuilding Technology Centre, the House of Swan in Pietarsaari, Finland
This morning, April 22nd, the first unit of the Swan 88 with hybrid electric propulsion, has been launched at the Boatbuilding Technology Centre, the House of Swan in Pietarsaari, Finland.
Posted on 22 Apr
SW96 Liberty embarks on her Maiden Voyage
Setting sail from Cape Town on her 7500-mile journey to Europe
Following her launch in February, Liberty, the fifth unit of the SW96 project, has set sail from Cape Town and started her 7500-mile maiden voyage to Europe.
Posted on 22 Apr
![]()
New products special - Emergency pack
The Pains Wessex branded Emergency Rations
Following the preview of our new Emergency Pack solutions at METS, Pain's Wessex is delighted to announce the availability of our first wave of new products, offering the highest quality manufacturing and trusted brands
Posted on 21 Apr
Summer Sailstice 2024 is on the horizon!
Share your plans and encourage your friends, clubs and organizations to join the fun
Share your plans and encourage your friends, clubs and organizations to join the fun.
Posted on 20 Apr
TMG to showcase Lagoon 46 at Sydney Boat Show
TMG Yachts proudly presents 500th Lagoon 46, reaffirming the brand's dominance in sailing catamarans
Embark on unforgettable adventures with loved ones, revelling in the unparalleled interior volume and refined ambience of this illustrious vessel.
Posted on 20 Apr
