The new AC 45’s have landed and the buzz was well worth it as thousands witnessed boat speeds exceeding 20 knots on the first test sail. The new America’s Cup catamarans adorned with solid wing sails work.

The test team completed the first sail and were back at the dock by noon in New Zealand before a tropical storm system began to move into the area. The early start afforded the team the chance to launch and sail before returning to the Viaduct base to tuck the boat platform and wing safely back into the shed. The rain came just moments after the shore operations were finished. With flat seas and 10 knots of breeze out of the northeast, the crew had near-perfect testing conditions, but some stormy weather is on the way so the next sailing session will be later in the week.

check out the amazing video – if you missed it the last time.