The AC40 is not just a smaller version of the AC75 used in the America’s Cup Challenger Series and Final for training and testing purposes by men’s teams, although it does serve that purpose. It is also a foiling monohull one-design boat used by both the Youth and Puig Women’s America’s Cup teams.
During early testing and trials conducted by Emitrates Team New Zealand, the AC40 achieved speeds of over 40 knots, which is equivalent to more than 75 km/h.
With a length of 40 feet, the AC40 is equipped with bucket seats for a driver and trimmer on each side. Due to the high speeds involved, the four-person crew remains on their assigned side throughout the race, as it is not safe to switch positions.
While waiting for the delivery of their AC40, the Youth and Puig Women’s Canadian teams are honing their skills on other foiling one-design boats and boards such as the 69F, Moth, Waszp, IQ Foil (the Olympic-class windsurfing board), and wing foiling.
