Boats That Fly? How High Tech Rocked the America’s Cup

Between complex aero- and hydrodynamics, space-age materials, and advanced electronic systems, the AC75s vying for sailing’s oldest prize have turned science fiction into science fact.

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New Zealand Emirates race in the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta on 25 August 2024. (Photo/ Ian Roman/ America's Cup)
Emirates Team New Zealand dominated its defense of the America's Cup over INEO Britannia, marking a return of England as challenger of record following a sixty-year hiatus. (Photo/ Ian Roman/ America's Cup)

The America’s Cup is an ornate bottomless, sterling silver ewer crafted in 1848 by Garrard's of London—who still repair it when needed. It’s an impressive piece of classic craftsmanship, but it is the only thing that hasn’t changed since this nautical battle royale began in 1851. One-hundred, seventy-three years ago, no one imagined yachts racing for the America’s Cup would be flying above the water in barely 6 knots of wind.

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Dhanya Pilo
Dhanya Pilo is an Intrepid sailor & Film-maker generally based in Mumbai, India unless she is out sailing, exploring the various water bodies on Planet Earth. She realised during the 2019 lockdown that sailing is an everyday adventure/learning and we need to share those incredible moments with those not yet enchanted by sail life. So, she has been collecting short stories from various sailors around the world for her book titled "Tell Tales". Recently, she was part of Team Maiden that won the Ocean Globe Race 23-24.

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