America's Cup AC45 technical shakedown complete

by Stephanie Martin on 8 Feb 2011 AC45 technical shakedown is now complete, and with that it is handover day for the new wing-sailed catamaran, marking the beginning of the next era of the America’s Cup. America’s Cup Race Management (ACRM) will now manage the logistics, care and maintenance of the prototype as competitors test the boat over the coming weeks. The AC45 is the forerunner to the larger AC72, which will be used in the 34th America’s Cup.

A traditional Maori blessing will start the day as competitors, prospective competitors and New Zealand dignitaries converge to see the latest in America’s Cup technology and celebrate the tireless effort of the New Zealand marine industry to make this occasion possible.

'To see the AC45 come together from just a concept in September to a full-fledged racing machine by January is a true testament to the skill of the New Zealand marine industry,' said Iain Murray, America’s Cup Race Management (ACRM) CEO and Regatta Director. 'In particular we would like to thank the team at Core Builders Composites who have produced an incredible boat that is fast yet robust. They remain hard at work on the balance of the AC45 fleet, which will be delivered to the teams for testing through April, before we leave Auckland to compete in the 2011 America’s Cup World Series.'

Dignitaries in attendance include:

* Len Brown, Mayor of Auckland
* Jonathan Coleman, Associate Minister of Tourism
* Ngati Whatua Orakei, an Auckland iwi (tribe)
* Iain Murray, ACRM CEO and Regatta Director
* Team members from Artemis Racing and ORACLE Racing
* Jo Aleh, Olivia Powrie, Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, top New Zealand youth sailors

When:
February 8, 2011

Where:
America’s Cup Race Management Boat Shed, 101 Halsey Street, in the Viaduct, Auckland

America's Cup website