1. Know the Requirements
To qualify for competition in the America's Cup, one of the oldest sailing competitions in the world and the oldest sporting trophy championship, a yacht must meet minimum requirements of the International America's Cup Class (IACC) rules. These rules outline specifics such as height, length and weight.
In 1992, the Louis Vuitton Company began another prestigious sailing race. The America's Cup stars the winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup against the winner of the previous year's America's Cup. To qualify for the Louis Vuitton Cup, which will ultimately qualify you for the America's Cup, a yacht team must meet the requirements specified in the Deed of Gift, which governs the race. Any yacht team that meets these requirements can apply to join the Louis Vuitton competition.
2. Give and Take Dimensions
The America's Cup rules are quite complex, because the two participating boats can ask for variations of boat size. The two teams work this out. The two teams basically barter dimensions. While the competing yachts may not be exactly the same, their design complies with the IACC's formula, which makes them comparable.
3. Typical Sizes
Although the competing boats can vary in size, there are typical dimensions. Most of the boats will be about 32.5m in length, with the height of the mast about 32.5m. The sail area upwind will be approximately 320 square m, with the sail area downwind about 5,100 square m. The weight of the fittings and hull is around 3 tons. The weight of the rig will be approximately 1 ton. The keel will also weigh about 1 ton.
4. The 18th Man
The two racing yachts must each have a crew of 17 sailors. Additionally, they have the option to bring along one more person, affectionately referred to as the "18th man." This person cannot perform any crew duties. He must sit aft of the boat's helm. His weight must come to at least 100kg. Weight can be added if does not meet this 100kg requirement. Often the 18th man is either a representative of the yacht's sponsor or sometimes a celebrity. A team can elect to bring 100kg of extra weight, stored in the cockpit, instead of an extra person.
5. You'll Need the Big Bucks
America's Cup yachts take months, or even years, to design and build. If you are trying to compete on this level, you will need sponsors firmly dedicated to funding the design and construction of your boat. IACC officials inspect boats during construction, before the race, during the race and after the race.
Member Comments