Alinghi Red Bull Racing AC40-4 Day 17 Summary

Determined to make the absolute best of perfect morning conditions in Barcelona, Alinghi Red Bull Racing came out with their AC40 and put on a display that made the America’s Cup world sit up and take notice. It was near perfection from Arnaud Psarofaghis and Nicolas Charbonnier who barely put a move wrong and oh so very nearly recorded a 100% day on the manoeuvres foil-to-foil. Just one touch & go blotted the record over 24 tacks and gybes but it was brilliance on display as a southerly ‘Garbi’ wind brought in a decent 13-16 knots that is just ideal for the AC40. Shoreside at Alinghi Red Bull Racing, some notable senior management was in town to celebrate the 25-year anniversary of superstar rigger João Cabeçadas joining Ernesto Bertarelli’s sailing teams across the America’s Cup, TF35, GC32 and many other classes that the Alinghi and Alinghi Red Bull Racing teams have competed in over the years. João is one of the legends of the America’s Cup with this being his fifth campaign and he was more than impressed with what he saw on the water today (Wednesday) saying: “I think it was really, really, good. It was windy, we performed well we did kind of 100% dry which is one thing on these boats! We had our goals to achieve on testing, we did them all, checked every box came back with the boat in one piece and the crew in one piece.” Section 41. Reconnaissance a) As a campaign cost reduction measure, COR/D has mutually agreed to cooperatively implement a centralised reconnaissance programme for all teams for the reconnaissance of all Competitors’ AC75 Yachts, AC40 Yachts and LEQ12 yachts including both on-land and on-water imagery (the “Joint Recon Programme”). b) Each team is assigned a two-person Recon Unit to follow their every on-water move, but it's not that simple. The cameras are supplied and identical for all Recon Units. Drones are not allowed, and they can't get that close, plus following a boat and keeping a camera steady at 45 knots isn't that easy to begin with. c) A three minute interview follows each on water day, and teams must answer the Recon Unit's questions while trying not to give too much away. It's a raw, unedited view of the never before seen behind-the-scenes development of a team and their boat to win the oldest trophy in international sports. #AC37Recon #AmericasCup #Barcelona2024