AC40 - Tech Talk

It's all in the detail

In conjunction with Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) and McConaghy Boats, the new AC40 is now available to buy from Ancasta Race Boats. A scaled-down version of the AC75, the AC40 gives private owners access to the latest America's Cup technology and performance for the first time in sailing history.

As with any new boat design, there is always new technology for owners and crews to learn and understand, and the AC40 is no exception to that rule.

Here we offer some insights into key elements of the new AC40.

Hydraulics

In principle, hydraulics are at the heart of the AC40’s control systems. Most of the hardware is operated by electrically assisted hydraulics, supplied by Cariboni, including foil arms, autopilot control, all sail controls and mast rotation. These are all operable via a push button control system, from both the helm and crew positions.

Foils

Each AC40 is supplied ready to sail, with two foil arms, wings and flaps, and the T-foil rudder blade. The foil arm is of carbon composite construction. While the foil wings and flaps are a mixture of carbon and stainless steel for strength and durability. The foil arms connect to two bearing points, one on the hull and the other on hydraulic rams which directly control the foil position. The T-foil rudder is of a carbon/steel construction, with a solid wing fixed into a stock and hull mounting at deck level.

ancasta.com/AC40LearnToFly

Electronics

One of the key points with the new AC40 is the reliance on battery power rather than manpower. Gone are the days of requiring a small army of crew. Each boat is provided with a lithium battery pack and charging unit, and power reserves are designed to last around 8 hours, so even a long day's racing is more than taken care of. Power is used to accumulate hydraulic pressure and operate the boat's PLC unit which handles all sail, board and mast controls. Simply plug your boat in after racing each day and it will be back at 100% efficiency for the following day.

Mast and Rigging

Provided by Southern Spars, the rig on the AC40 is a high-modulus D Section spar, which flies two mainsail skins simultaneously. Coupled with internal composite battens it allows sail camber and twist far more than a conventional sail. A single boom is fitted inside the two skins which allows for mainsheet attachment, traveler attachment and outhaul control. The mast is built in two sections, allowing easy break-down when shipping or trucking the AC40. And the boat is supplied with a full standing rigging package of ECthree Carbon Rigging and a race running rigging package.

Sail plan

The AC40 One Design yacht has a standardised OD sail inventory, consisting of five sails - two mainsail skins and three headsails. Class sails are provided with North Sails using a mixture of C-Tech and custombuilt hardware.

Sail areas:

Mainsail - 63sqm

J1 - 38sqm, J2 - 32sqm and J3 - 26sqm. Every yacht comes supplied with one full suit of sails.

The AC40 is now available to buy from Ancasta. Contact us to join the foiling revolution. ancasta.com/AC40