First sail for the AC45

Maiden sail for the AC45. Auckland, 16 January 2011. Photo copyright Gilles Martin-Raget / America's Cup

Maiden sail for the AC45. Auckland, 16 January 2011. Photo copyright Gilles Martin-Raget / America's Cup

Maiden sail for the AC45. Auckland, 16 January 2011. Photo copyright Gilles Martin-Raget / America's Cup

[Source: America's Cup] Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour showcased a glimpse into the future of the America’s Cup with the debut of the wing-sailed AC45 catamaran. The forerunner to the next generation of America’s Cup boats, the AC45 made its maiden voyage, the first of many sea trials planned over the coming weeks.

“Thanks to the efficiency of the New Zealand boat building industry and a huge effort by our team, the first AC45 is now ready for sea trials just a mere four months after this exciting new multihull class was first conceptualized,” said Tim Smyth, co-construction manager for Core Builders Composites of Warkworth, New Zealand.