Please select your home edition
Edition
Allen Sailing

America's Cup- Launch the of the prototype AC45 - Video

by Richard Gladwell on 8 Feb 2011
34th America’s Cup - AC45 launch ACEA - Photo Gilles Martin-Raget http://photo.americascup.com/

The prototype AC 45 was launched in calm conditions this morning at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour after being blessed. This video shows the quick lift and launch process with the AC45 slung by the top of her mast from a 'sky hook'.

Midway through the video we can see the hook-loop being dropped from the top of the mast, once the boat is afloat.

The boat is attached to the hook by strops around the mainbeam.

Apologies for the shakiness of the video in parts - taken from an iPhone up a pole - necessitated by other photographers walking in front of the camera.

McDYachts_Pyewacket-for-Sale_1456x180 BOTTOMC-Tech 2021 (Spars-QFX Racer) 728x90 BOTTOMKingfisher Yacht Ropes at METSTRADE 2025

Related Articles

Pacific Northwest Offshore Race 2026 Preview
Fierce international competition for 50 years! In 2026, host Portland Yacht Club is preparing for year 50 of the Pacific Northwest Offshore Race. It all began in 1976 from Astoria as the 'Oregon Offshore' with a vision of racing an offshore course along the rugged Pacific coastline.
Posted on 1 Dec
Video: All-female crew start their record attempt
The Famous Project CIC aim for the Jules Verne Trophy The all-female crew on The Famous Project CIC have set off on an attempt to capture the Jules Verne Trophy and break the round the world record.
Posted on 1 Dec
IRC contenders ready for RORC Transatlantic Race
19 boats are entered for the 3,000 mile race from Marina Lanzarote to Antigua, West Indies With less than 50 days to go before the start of the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race, 19 boats are entered for the 3,000 mile race from Marina Lanzarote to Antigua, West Indies, with more boats expected to join them.
Posted on 1 Dec
Keep it in the family. Keep it Tasmanian.
Seeing as we have been somewhat zeroed in on Tassie over the last little while, let's keep going Now the Australian with the fastest time for a solo, non-stop, and unassisted circumnavigation of this here planet is Ken Gourlay, OAM.
Posted on 30 Nov
Sail Melbourne delivers world-class racing
A classic Port Phillip challenge for Australia's best Sail Melbourne once again demonstrated why Port Phillip is known for world-class racing, serving up a full mix of conditions across four demanding days.
Posted on 30 Nov
The Two Million Dollar Move
SailGP Grand Final Video Analysis We take a look at how the starts were won in the light winds on Day 1, and then see who won the start in the three-boat Grand Final itself, and then what the winning move was that sealed the 2025 Season title.
Posted on 30 Nov
Ross Hubbard enters the Global Solo Challenge
Taking on the Challenge aboard SEA BEAR, a 1984 Ta Shing Panda 38 cutter We are pleased to welcome Ross Hubbard as the newest official entry. Ross, from Ventura, California (USA), brings decades of seamanship, a professional lifetime spent surveying and testing vessels, and many thousands miles of solo sailing experience.
Posted on 30 Nov
8th Portugal Grand Prix at Vilamoura overall
Challenging conditions and intense competition on the final day The 8th Portugal Grand Prix concluded today in Vilamoura, bringing together some of the most talented sailors from across world for a thrilling series of races.
Posted on 30 Nov
Meet A+T's newest display: the full colour QBD7
In response to strong market demand for a smaller version of the hugely popular 12" BFD In response to strong market demand for a smaller, more versatile version of the hugely popular 12" BFD, A+T Instruments were proud to show off their new QBD7 at METS.
Posted on 30 Nov
Emirates GBR Crowned Season Rolex SailGP Champions
The victory caps off a remarkable year for Dylan Fletcher and crew Emirates Great Britain has won it all on the Arabian Gulf, defeating the BONDS Flying Roos and New Zealand's Black Foils to become the third-ever winner of the Rolex SailGP Championship.
Posted on 30 Nov