Quintijn Innikel (partner) on a groundbreaking, innovative sailboat
This sailboat is truly remarkable, showcasing groundbreaking and innovative technology. It was designed for the America’s Cup, a legendary sailing race that has proven to be a major driver of innovation. The America’s Cup is the oldest sailing race and active sporting event worldwide. Since 1851, the world’s best sailors have competed with the fastest boats for the aspired “Auld Mug.”
The competition is a match race between two top-tier yachts. The one known as the Defender represents the yacht club currently holding the America’s Cup, while the Challenger, represents the club vying for the title. The Challenger is selected through a series of preliminary races. According to the Deed of Gift, the winner gets to set the specifications for the yachts in the next competition. This allows changes in aspects such as rigging, draft, maximum waterline length, or total weight, ensuring that each race hosts faster and more innovative boats. Over its rich history, the America’s Cup has driven many significant technological advancements.
The 1988 race: A new dimension
One of the most significant breakthroughs occurred in the 1988 race when the San Diego Yacht Club competed as the Defender. New Zealand, the Challenger, relied on conservative regulations, assuming their vessel—a large monohull (single-hulled) yacht—would have the advantage. It was an enormous 37-meter yacht with a massive sail (up to 1,600 square meters) and two large outriggers on either side to balance its 40-man crew.
On the other hand, San Diego noticed a gap in the rules: catamarans were not prohibited. Therefore, they built a massive catamaran with a fixed wing resembling a vertical airplane wing. Due to its narrow aspect ratio, this wing efficiently converted wind into speed.
During the race, the stark contrast between the two vessels became obvious. They were in completely different leagues. San Diego’s catamaran easily outmaneuvered New Zealand’s massive monohull, sailing circles around it. A legal challenge was filed to contest the results, but the court ruled that San Diego’s catamaran complied with the rules, making the Challenger the rightful winner.
The AC75: Four times the speed of the wind
Another revolutionary leap came with foils, enabling catamarans to lift out of the water and achieve even greater speeds. In 2021, New Zealand successfully defended its title against Italy. Both boats were high-performance foiling monohulls of the AC75 class, specifically designed for the competition.
Fixed wings were replaced by a “twin-skin, soft-wing” sail concept, a hybrid of a fixed wing and a traditional sail. These boats also featured two robotic arms on deck that hydraulically shifted the foils from port to starboard, lifting the entire hull out of the water.
Every aspect of the vessel was streamlined for minimal resistance. The technology has become so efficient that these boats can sail at four times the speed of the wind. With a wind speed of ten knots, the AC75 can sail at 40 knots—truly mind-blowing!
Seamanship and innovation
The faster the boat sails, the more lift the foils generate, raising the hull higher out of the water. If not managed carefully, the boat can lift too high and bounce off the water’s surface. This led to a new role onboard: the trimmer, who controls the boat’s flight height with a console.
The races are highly dynamic, blending seamanship and technological innovation. The America’s Cup is a celebration of sailing and innovation. Teams must be incredibly inventive to surpass the Defender’s advantage. Every effort is made to stay ahead. Being just “as good” isn’t enough—you must always be better.
As Admiral Rous famously told Queen Victoria in 1851 when the yacht America crossed the finish line first: “Your Majesty, there is no second.”
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