In addition to the conventional regulations on hull dimensions and wing area of the monster catamarans, the recently published document also contains numerous specifications regarding the media coverage of the upcoming America's Cup races. On closer inspection, the whole thing amounts to total surveillance of the crews.
Two cameramen will broadcast live images from on board each boat during the regattas. There are three fixed cameras at the stern and at the front of the cat hulls. In addition, seven further cameras distributed throughout the ship will be remotely controlled from shore.
As if that wasn't enough, each of the eleven crew members has to wear a microphone. Seven additional microphones are installed at various points on the ships.
As a result, no swearing, no sardonic grins, no annoyed faces and no nose-poking will remain hidden from the spectators at the AC races in future. And, of course, no tactical discussions between the helmsmen and skippers on board.
Even if the organisers want to try to make emotions or tactical processes more transparent in this way and thus make the events more interesting for television viewers, the sailors must almost feel like they are being watched more closely than in the Big Brother container.
The rules were drawn up by Pete Melvin and his team from Morrelli & Melvin Design & Engineering Inc. In between, the AC teams and the general sailing public had the opportunity to submit comments, wishes and opinions on the intended new boat types. These were incorporated into the final specifications.
There are no surprises or significant deviations from the plans for the new 72-foot cats announced earlier in the year (see "More on the subject" below).
Here are the final key data for the AC72-Class:
Hull length: 22.00 m
Overall length: 26.20 m
Width: 14.00 m
Displacement: 5.9 tonnes
Crew size: 11
Draught: max. 4.40 m
Wingsail height: 40.00 m
Wing area: 230 to 260 m2
Estimated maximum speed: 32 knots
Each team may build a maximum of two boats.
Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT
