The America's Cup Team Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli presented its prototype to the public yesterday in Cagliari, Sardinia. The boat will be used by the team for testing and training purposes during the construction of the actual AC75 for the next America's Cup in Barcelona in 2024. The presentation was watched not only by the spectators on site but also by several thousand interested parties via livestream.
The unveiled prototype is a smaller version of the actual Cupper, a so-called LEQ12. "LEQ" is used in some programming languages and means "less than or equal to". The boats are a maximum of twelve metres long, as defined in the technical regulations for training and development yachts.
Team New Zealand as a role model
While all the other teams are continuing their development on yachts already in use and the smaller one-design AC40 boats, Luna Rossa has designed its own test boat. The new Italian racing machine is very similar to the boat with which the New Zealanders won the last Cup. Not only in the shape of the underwater hull, but also the raised and enclosed cockpits on both sides were already seen on the defender. This cockpit layout enables a flat, less voluminous area in between, which allows the mainsail to be lowered slightly. At the same time, the aerodynamic resistance of the overall hull is reduced, especially in the centre. As the wind always comes from the front due to the high speeds of the AC 75, aerodynamics are an important factor. The encapsulated cockpits also suggest that the Italians will operate with two helmsmen, as in the last Cup, so that the crew will no longer have to change cockpits during manoeuvres.
The colour scheme of the fuselage with its many different coloured triangles could simply be an Italian fashion statement. However, it is also possible that it is a form of camouflage. Although spying, or rather observing other teams, has been expressly permitted since this edition, this colour design could make it more difficult for other teams to analyse photos and videos. Similar to what happens with prototypes in the automotive industry.
Adjustments to the foils compared to the last America's Cup
The adjustments to the foils are also striking. These differ on both sides in order to save development costs and time. Data from two configurations can be collected simultaneously during a test stroke. On the port side, the Foil-T is completely horizontal and bends upwards at both ends. On the starboard side, the sides of the foil are at a slight angle to each other. The more horizontal the arrangement, the more lift is generated, the foils can be slightly thinner for less drag. The more vertical the foils, the more effective they are against drift. Finding the best compromise here will also be a key to success in the upcoming America's Cup.
Team Director and skipper Max Sirena explains the adjustments as follows: "We have worked in all areas and also used our experience from the previous edition to optimise the basic aspects, define the lines and improve the aerodynamic and hydrodynamic development."
"I am sure that this prototype will be a great help in the development of the new AC75," says Patrizio Bertelli, President of the team.
American Magic also with first tests
The American Magic team has also launched a prototype. Similar to "BoatZero" from Alinghi Red Bull Racing, "Patriot" is a full-size AC75. However, both yachts are merely revised versions of the previous America's Cup, as each team is only allowed to build a single and final AC75. The first tests have already been carried out in tow. This means that all teams will soon be back on the water under sail, albeit on different platforms.
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