Same hull, New configuration for 2027

There were 11 crew when the AC75 was first introduced for the 36th America’s Cup, with the crew reduced to eight for the next edition and now five sailors for the racing in 2027. With the hulls being reused from 2024, modifications are needed to adapt to the new crew limit.

The first look has come as Team New Zealand has relaunched their AC75 Taihoro at the Wynyard Point base in Auckland. While it is the same vessel that won in Barcelona, it has undergone a significant refit to meet the new rules with three specific modification categories:

• Cockpit Reconfiguration: Extensive work to transition the deck layout for the new crew requirements.
• Structural Rebuilds: The team was permitted to rebuild up to 4sqm of the hull using the same shape but different materials, allowing for localized strengthening or weight optimization.
• Functional Rebates: Modifications were made to add rebates to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. – Full report and video