AC72 sets sail on a light, wet Auckland day
Emirates Team New Zealand took its AC72 sailing for the first time today – on a cold, wet Auckland winter’s day.
As a very watery dawn glow started to light Auckland, the AC72 was wheeled from the shed, mated to the wingsail and lifted into the Viaduct Harbour.
Clouds (Roger Badham at this computer) briefs sailing team members Dean Barker, Ray Davies and Adam Beashel – on the the day’s breeze and the expected rain.
There it sat while a few last-minute adjustments were made and the crew waited for some breeze.
Sailing time was delayed several times as team meteorologist Roger Badham monitored weather radar and computer models and kept the sailing crew, impatient to leave the dock, informed.
Finally at 1pm the big cat was towed out in the Auckland Harbour and did not return to base until after dark. The breeze was still very light and rain was threatening.
Three chase boats containing designers, engineers, systems experts, boat builders and specialists accompanied the cat, intently watching its every move
The breeze in the outer harbour varied from zero to 8-10 knots and the sea was flat. Rain came in the squalls.
“It is good to get the first sail under our belt,” Grant Dalton said. “Overall the weather could have been better but the wind was ideal for a first sail. It’s what we had waited for.
Dalton said the day, while unspectacular, was productive. “We know more about the boat than we did this morning and that’s why we go testing.”
Up to the end of next January, teams are permitted only 30 sailing days in the AC72. Emirates Team New Zealand intends to make every sailing day count.
A sailing say is defined as the yacht releasing the tow for only five minute. The team plans to sail from dawn to dusk when conditions are favourable.
Nice work boyz, hope all goes well in future sails, the next boat wants to be an AC winner!!
good skills lads this time is our time to show we have the goods we have the talent and thats what wins a/c not s#%t loads of $$$$$$$ give it heaps good luck with the prep work
Congratulations Kiwis! She is a beauty, and I can’t wait to see you putting her through the paces. Simply majestic, and I’m sure also as fast as heck! Congratulations to all of the Team, and good luck next year in San Francisco.
Well done guys. Now let’s get this machine flying.
Create a huge class of cat using high-tech materials, and then restricting preparation time on the water, is just loopy. These cats are too big, too borderline safe/seaworthy, and obscenely expensive. On flat and clear water they will be very fast – when they are allowed out.
Aint that somethin’ else!
I agree with Antony, restricted sailing time is a party pooper.
These things are monsters.
Shoulda bit a AC71 and sail as much as you like….
I hope its as much fun as it looks- scary too.
Cheers – from Pahi.