AMERICAS CUP PRACTICE BOATS
Wednesday February 9th, 2011
AMERICA’S CUP PRACTICE BOATS LAUNCH IN AUKLAND
The much anticipated official launch of the New Zealand built AC45 is upon us. The 13.7 metre winged catamarans with a combined value of $11.5 have been handed over to the America’s Cup Race Management (ACRM) who will now manage the prototype’s logistics, care and maintenance. The yachts will be used to train sailors to used winged sails before each team builds its own 22 metre model.
Manager of Core Builders of Warkworth, Tim Smyth said that the project had provided work for over 60 people, many of them local. The practice boat is the forerunner to the larger AC72 which will be sailed in the 34th America’s Cup later this year.
ACRM CEO and Regatta Director Iain Murray said, 'To see the AC45 come together from just a concept in September to a full-fledged racing machine by January is a true testament to the skill of the New Zealand marine industry... In particular we would like to thank the team at Core Builders Composites who have produced an incredible boat that is fast yet robust. They remain hard at work on the balance of the AC45 fleet, which will be delivered to the teams for testing through April, before we leave Auckland to compete in the 2011 America's Cup World Series.'
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