AC37 – Prelim #2

America’s Cup 37 – Preliminary Regatta Number Two!

The 37th America’s Cup international sailing competition includes two preliminary regattas in which the teams compete using identical forty-foot foiling monohulls called America’s Cup 40 (AC40).  This boat was designed by the defending team Emirates Team New Zealand) and is built in China by McConaghy Boat Works.  Most of the teams have purchased and commissioned two of these $3 million yachts and we first saw them used in competition the first preliminary regatta in Vilanova Spain.  American Magic WON that regatta and are bringing all their fire to the second regatta in Jeddah.

The Preliminary Regatta Format

This regatta is unique in that each of the six teams race identical AC40 yachts.  Of note, before these preliminary regattas, the AC40 yachts had never raced against each other outside of the team training setting. Pensacolan’s got to see the first American Magic AC40 “America” zipping around the Pensacola Bay before the team repositioned to Barcelona

What to Expect!

According to the AC37 protocol, the preliminary regattas consist of:

• November 29 – Practice Racing
• November 30 – 3 Fleet Races
• December 1 – 3 Fleet Races
• December 2 – 2 Fleet Races; 1 Match Race Final

How to See It!

The racing begins at 0430 Central Time but we will record and replay for our fan party starting at 0900 in Seville Quarter, Downtown Pensacola!