The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Circolo della Vela Sicilia, published the AC75 Class Rule for the 36th America’s Cup (Thursday 29 Mar UK).

The AC75 Class Rule defines the parameters within which the America's Cup teams can design a yacht eligible to compete in the 36th America’s Cup.

It regulates all aspects of the boat to ensure fair and exciting racing, whilst leaving plenty of freedom for innovation to flourish.

The development of the Class Rule has been a four-month process led by Emirates Team New Zealand, working together with Luna Rossa Challenge.

Highlights of the AC75 Class Rule include:

Strict limitations on the number of components that can be built including hulls, masts, rudders, foils and sails, thus encouraging teams to do more R&D in simulation and subsequently less physical construction and testing

• Supplied foil arms and cant system to save design time and construction costs


• Supplied rigging


• One design mast tube

In addition, the ‘soft wing’ mainsail concept that has been developed for the AC75 Class Rule is expected to have a trickle down effect on sailing in the future.

"The rules are the result of a close collaboration and a true partnership between Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa,” said Martin Fischer, Design Coordinator for Luna Rossa Challenge.