1
NEWS
AC45 flyer at Hammo
High-tech cat to stage demo runs at Audi Hamilton Island Race WeekOne of the world’s fastest sailboats for its size and type will be scorching across the waters off Hamilton Island during next week’s Audi Hamilton Island Race Week.
The AC45-class catamaran is one of the most technologically advanced sailboats of modern times – and probably the fastest sailboat ever to be on the waters of the Whitsundays. It is capable of sailing at more than 35 knots.
The great news for some of the crew from the 181 yachts (organisers were hoping for 200) entered for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is that they will get the chance to be aboard the catamaran on a demonstration run and experience high speed sailing like never before.
These exhibition runs will happen on Dent Passage, immediately in front of Hamilton Island Yacht Club, after racing each day. After all, now that island owner Denis O'Neil has dipped out of the America's Cup due to cost someone had to do something with the AC45 trainer.
The AC45 class was designed to provide elite level sailors a smooth transition to the incredibly fast, America’s Cup hydrofoil catamarans.
The secret to the AC45’s exceptional speed (for its size) is primarily due to the efficiency of its rig: the mast and mainsail form a single unit – an aerofoil-shaped, low drag, rotating wing. It has flaps on the trailing edge like an aircraft wing.
The hulls and much of the rig are built from ultra-lightweight carbon fibre. This means that while the hulls are 13.5 metres in length, the entire boat weighs only 1300kg. It's a fast cat for sure, but with an unfulfilled future here.
Audi Hamilton Island Race Week will be staged from August 16 to 23. The Notice of Race, entry form and regatta information at www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au.
Tags
Share this article
Written byBoatsales Staff
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a boatsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Contact
Advertise with us
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the boatsales app
