If you haven’t been lucky enough to see an AC40 in person, foiling at pace, hitting speeds that only a few years ago was unimaginable in sailing then the first Preliminary Regatta at Vilanova i La Geltrú is the perfect place to get on the water and see these apex yachts in action.
Registrations are now open for exclusive on-water action on a dedicated page on the 37th America’s Cup website: https://www.americascup.com/on-water-information
When the AC40s race, it’s like nothing else in the sport of sailing. Technique is rewarded over technology with all the boats sailing in exact one design specification with the same foils, sails, and control systems. When all six America’s Cup teams line-up for the first fleet-racing start in Vilanova i La Geltrú it will be a spectacle that could well define the future of yacht racing. It’s not to be missed and something that will burn into the memories of all those lucky enough to see it in person.
Vilanova i La Geltrú is a dream venue to host the world’s best foiling sailors with plenty of berthing for spectator craft and an on-water operation that will ensure safe viewing, close to the action, right on the boundaries of the racecourse.
The racing itself promises to change the way you see yacht racing. Time-on-distance at speeds that could exceed 40 knots, challenges the accepted norms of racing sailing and with all six teams fielding their strongest sailor line-ups, nobody wants to suffer a poor regatta. That ensures desperately close, no-holds barred racing where consistency will be rewarded over technological advances and for the two teams that perform the best, a place in the Match Racing Final awaits where the first bragging rights and pecking order of the 37th America’s Cup will be established.
Who will come out on top is a pundit’s worst nightmare. Picking a winner at this stage is impossible with all six teams looking strong having put in endless hours of training on the water. As the Defender of the America’s Cup and the first team to sail the exciting new AC40 class, many watchers and indeed the other teams will be watching Emirates Team New Zealand closely. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli has impressed hugely in winter training. NYYC American Magic have been relentless in their AC40 two-boat training. So too, Alinghi Red Bull Racing whilst INEOS Britannia have showed unbelievable sailing skill in the practice racing. The big unknown is Orient Express Racing Team who received their AC40 in August, but France is one of the top sailing nations and will be on the money for sure.
And you can be a part of history as it unfolds before your eyes in Vilanova i La Geltrú with registrations now open for on-water access via the ‘How To Watch’ tab on the Official 37th America’s Cup website. For more information, please click here to register your vessel and come and be a part of the action: https://www.americascup.com/on-water-information
