Artemis Racing became the first America’s Cup challenger to launch its AC45 development catamaran in Bermuda last week. The Swedish team’s wing-sail foiling AC45 Turbo began sea trials in the Great Sound on Tuesday after being launched from its new temporary base at the Royal Naval Dockyard.
The first two days of sailing provided a real insight into what the team can expect ahead of America’s Cup World Series Bermuda this October, and the finals of the 35th America’s Cup in 2017.
Helmsman Nathan Outteridge commented, “We’re really excited to be the first challenger out on the Bermudan waters on the AC45. There have been a number of critics of the Bermuda venue, but foiling around in 10 knots of breeze here, in flat turquoise water is pretty sweet. These boats are just awesome to sail, but unfortunately you do have to come back in, I’m sure we would have been happy to out there for another three hours. We’re really looking forward to getting back out there again”.
Team Manager Iain Percy said “We were really just out there exploring the course on day one and checking the equipment after it’s journey from San Francisco. Over the last few days we've learnt that it is a tricky venue, it’s really shifty and gusty, and further to that, it’s tight. You need to understand the charts, where the rocks are, where you can and can’t go. There will be lots of tacks and gybes, the crew will be working incredibly hard getting the boat through the transitions. It’s certainly going to be a sailors race, which will be great for everyone watching and certainly plays to our strengths”.
From Artemis Racing
