Luna Rossa Challenge Launches Second Foiling AC45 – Swordfish
Both the Luna Rossa Piranha and Swordfish are foiling about in Cagliari, after being modified with on-board systems that allow the AC45 catamarans to fully foil like the AC72s in the 2013 America’s Cup races. (take a look)
The new design protocol for the 35th America’s Cup allows for modifications of the AC45s of any sort, except for the shape of the hulls. Apparently these new catamarans will outperform the old ones and can simulate the sailing conditions of the new AC62s which will be used in the 2017 races. Practicing on the new AC45s will enrich the crews’ training program and better prepare them for maneuvers, boat handling and foiling techniques that will relate to the new AC62s. They are out at sea now testing all the boats’ components and systems in their full foiling modes.
“This is an important day for the team,” according to Max Sirena, skipper of Luna Rossa, “sailing with two boats offers a significant advantage not only for performance comparison but from all points of view. We participated in the last America’s Cup to set the basis for our 35th America’s Cup and now we can count on a solid team and a close collaboration between designers, sailing team and shore team. There is a constant exchange of information between these areas to address the design and optimize its applications.”
Watch Pirahna and Swordfish foiling in Cagliari.
Photo courtesy of lunarossachallenge.com
http://www.lunarossachallenge.com
