Please select your home edition
Edition
PredictWind - GO! exec 728x90 TOP

America's Cup: Youth and Womens Teams train on ETNZ developed AC40 Simulator

by America's Cup Media 27 Sep 2023 03:22 PDT
ETNZ developed AC40 simulator © ETNZ

With twelve teams entered for the Youth and Puig Women’s America’s Cup competitions in Barcelona in 2024, AC40 training has begun for the fast-coming next generation of foiling talent.

As teams start to form around the world, the AC40 sailing simulator package developed by Emirates Team New Zealand is being released to AC Youth and Puig Women’s Teams, as well as being available to prospective AC40 owners, and yacht clubs.

The simulator incorporates helm wheels, control devices and instrumentation displays, replicating precisely those in the one-design AC40 yachts, offering a unique training platform for teams to perfect their AC40 sailing skills before they get on the water. There are two options that are currently offered with a dashboard and wheels option, for teams to mount on their own desks or cockpit mock-up or the full version with a complete pair of AC40 cockpit replicas built by McConaghy Boats, incorporating seats, dashboards and wheels.

While primarily now used for AC40 training, the simulator package also offers sailors who have never before stepped onboard a foiling yacht an opportunity to develop their skills before setting sail for the first time. Just as the Youth and Puig Women’s America’s Cup teams are already doing to get themselves into race mode before being handed the keys to an AC40.

Nathan Outteridge, helmsman for Emirates Team New Zealand sees huge benefits for anyone thinking about entering the elite level of sailing saying: “The simulator is a vital tool for our overall programme and has been key to getting everyone up to speed and familiar with the AC40 set-up. It’s very realistic with the windward/leeward course default as well as pre-start tactics. Sailors can race against each other virtually and the system is modelled to create the effect of windshifts, gusts and waves. Anyone who has an ambition to sail an AC40 definitely needs to spend time in this Sim.”

All of the sail trim and appendage controls of the AC40 yacht are provided through the genuine AC40 input devices including composite steering wheels, button panels and joysticks. Instrumentation is supplied through six phone displays, as deployed on the AC40 yachts. Steering load feedback modelled by the Gomboc physics engine is supplied by a direct drive motor connected to both wheels. Just like the AC40, the simulator is configured for a crew of four sailors - two helms and two trimmers.

Time in the simulator is correlated to success on the water. The AC40 simulator is the vital stepping-stone and pathway through to the America’s Cup for Youth & Puig Women’s contenders and are even used extensively by the America’s Cup teams in their training for the Preliminary regattas in the AC40s.

Related Articles

America's Cup: Dalton pushes back on Swiss claims
More to Swiss withdrawal than disagreements over the draft Protocol says Dalton. Grant Dalton: "It has been somewhat obvious for some time that they have been struggling to recover from their lack lustre performance in Barcelona last October and give themselves an ‘on water' opportunity to win in AC38." Posted on 20 Apr
America's Cup: Alinghi confirm exit and wind-down
"We have not been able to find agreement with the Defender of the America's Cup" Twice America's Cup winner Alinghi has issued a statement saying they will not enter the 38th America's Cup, after taking issue with some measures in the draft Protocol. Team members were told last week. A media statement was issued Saturday afternoon. Posted on 19 Apr
Cup Spy: Kiwis make another tough call
The split between Peter Burling and Emirates Team NZ wasn't seen coming outside the team Todays's announcement of a split in the long relationship with Emirates Team NZ and its skipper, three times Cup winner Peter Burling wasn't seen coming outside the team, although rumours had been circulating on the Auckland waterfront for a month or two. Posted on 11 Apr
America's Cup: Burling leaves Team NZ
Emirates Team New Zealand and Peter Burling have today confirmed that they have agreed to part ways Emirates Team New Zealand and Peter Burling have today confirmed that they have agreed to part ways ahead of the 38th America's Cup. Posted on 11 Apr
America's Cup: Proposed Cup changes
Several parties associated with the America's Cup have talked of radical changes coming. Loose-lipped UK parties associated with the America's Cup have revealed radical changes being mooted for the way the America's Cup is to be organised for future events. But will they gain gained traction, this time? A lot has changed in 20years. Posted on 8 Apr
NZ Govt turns back on last Cup hosting opportunity
Business leaders and commentators are quick to criticise NZ Government's lack of foresight. The NZ Coalition Government decision to walk away from hosting of the 38th America's hadsreceived criticism from City leaders. With changes mooted in the Cup along F1 lines, Cup hosting will move out of the reach of the always cash-strapped Kiwi nation. Posted on 1 Apr
America's Cup set to return to the USA
President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed that the next will be held at his private club, Mar-a-Lago. President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed that the next America's Cup, the prestigious sailing competition dating back to 1851, will be held at his private club, Mar-a-Lago. Posted on 31 Mar
America's Cup NZ Govt declines to fund Auckland
Emirates Team NZ have confirmed that NZ Government has refused funding for the 38th America's Cup. Emirates Team New Zealand has confirmed that MBIE and Central Government have decided not to back the 38th America's Cup hosting in Auckland. Naples and Athens tipped as venues by European media. Posted on 31 Mar
Cup Spy: Has the Cup already flown?
Despite Auckland Council's best efforts to secure the Hosting, is the Cup again headed offshore? An America's Cup spoor trail of NZ governmental droppings and footprints indicates that despite Auckland Council's best efforts to secure the Hosting, the event is again headed to the Never-Land of an offshore location. Posted on 30 Mar
Three times America's Cup winner passes away
Matt Mitchell won three America's Cup sailing for teams representing three nations. There wasn't a boat Matt Mitchell couldn't race or a challenge he wasn't up for. And, say those closest to the America's Cup star and grassroots sailing champion, no one was spared his good-hearted quips. Posted on 25 Mar
Doyle_SailWorld_728X90px_SY BOTTOMAllen Dynamic 40 FooterPredictWind - GPS 728x90 BOTTOM