A much anticipated aspect of the 36^th America’s Cup, set to be held in Auckland, New Zealand in 2021, is the Youth America’s Cup which already has more than 15 teams from around the world confirmed to take part. The event will be raced on a new carbon foiling mono-hull – the AC9F – designed by the Yachting Developments design team led by Bob Graham. A fleet of AC9F models is set to be built at the Yachting Developments yard, which will allow for simultaneous match racing between participating teams.

This first AC9F model was completed by Yachting Developments in March 2020 and christened Kōtare, meaning ‘Kingfisher’ in Maori. Sea trials on Kōtare were delayed due to New Zealand’s nationwide lockdown, but initial tow testing of the first model has taken place and all involved were delighted with how this prototype AC9F performed in its first tests, with its performance hinting at how thrilling the Youth America’s Cup is set to be.

We still have more testing to complete but after her first sail it is good to confirm that she certainly flies.” says Ian Cook, Managing Director of Yachting Developments.

 

It was impressive work by everyone involved to achieve our goals so quickly,” says Bob Graham, Designer at Yachting Developments.

A massive thank you to North Sails, Southern Spars and Harken for their ongoing support and collaboration on this project.

Although there is still more testing on the AC9F to be done these successful first sail trials are a great move in the right direction. The Youth America’s Cup will be an unmissable chance to bring young sailors from around the world to race in Auckland’s waters on an exciting design that will demand the best of all their skills.

 

ENDS

 

 

Notes to Editor

 

Yachting Developments is an award-winning yacht builder and composite specialist. The owners and staff at Yachting Developments have shared the vision and dreams of more than 70 individual clients, creating vessels of the highest quality standards, designed and custom made to the client’s brief. With projects including 39.5m M/Y Lanakai 33.83m Cygnus Montanus, 37m S/Y Bliss and 30.5m S/Y Quintessential, and the award-winning refit of the J-Class Endeavour to their name, the yard has forged a strong international reputation for its high-quality work and specialist team.

Operating out of a 10,000sqm yard facility that includes 5,000sqm of fully equipped sheds and water access in Auckland’s Hobsonville, Yachting Developments is able to service yachts of up to 60m. The yard welcomes all inquiries for new build, refit and service work, for both small and large projects, and can also service yachts on location. Complementing its boat building division, the yard’s comprehensive offering includes specialist commercial, architectural and 3D divisions, with the yard having completed a wide range of residential, commercial and component projects.

 

For all media enquiries contact:

Bianca Cook

Bianca@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz