First flight on local waters
In north-easterly winds of between 12 and 16 knots, the "Taihoro" was successfully hoisted onto her foils on the very first day. Skipper Nathan Outteridge was highly satisfied: "It takes a whole army to get an AC75 back on the water. The fact that we were able to run through the full test programme on the first day is a testament to the hard work of the entire team. The boat feels great."
Jo Aleh was the first woman in the active crew of an AC75. In the position of 5th sailor, she gained her first impressions of the "raw power and speed" of the racer.
Evolution instead of revolution: strategy behind the return
The current "Taihoro" is not a completely new build, but an elaborately modified version of the successful platform from the last Cup. This is a direct consequence of the new regulationswhich aims to reduce costs and shift development more towards the details.
The main innovations of the "Taihoro" include
- System integration: Complete refit of the internal control systems in accordance with the updated AC75 Class Rule.
- End of the "Cyclors": The distinctive wheel drivers that used to generate the hydraulic pressure have been replaced by a standardised battery system. This fundamentally changes the distribution of tasks on board.
- Aerodynamics & Cockpit: The layout has been adapted to increase efficiency and optimise collaboration between the now five-strong core crew.
The time factor: why every day counts
The first day of testing, originally planned for the beginning of the week, fell victim to too much wind. As the number of sailing days is strictly limited to 45 until January 2027, every day weighs heavily. A technical defect caused by excessively risky tests in strong winds could cost valuable development time.
"We are in a merciless optimisation race," says the team. The data from the first day now flows directly back into the design and simulation loops. The aim is to defend the lead over the competition, while the "Taihoro" should maintain or even exceed its record speeds thanks to improved foils and sails despite the weight of the new battery systems.
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
