Oct 18, V7N- The America's Cup AC75 sailboats, like the French team's "Orient Express," provide a unique and exhilarating sailing experience, blending cutting-edge technology with extreme speed. These sleek, futuristic boats "fly" above the water on hydrofoils, creating an almost surreal sensation for those aboard. Described by French skipper Quentin Delapierre as "unreal" and akin to "go-karting on a flying carpet," the AC75s defy traditional sailing experiences with their ability to double or triple the speed of the wind.

Onboard, "power sailors" furiously pedal to generate the hydraulic pressure needed to control the towering wing-like sails, while communication is kept to a minimum, focusing on critical maneuvers. With speeds reaching up to 55 knots, or around 63 mph, the boats can leave even their high-speed chase boats struggling to keep up. The silence of the hull cutting through the air, with just the wind whistling over the decks, creates a stark contrast to the explosive power being generated beneath the surface.

The precision required to pilot an AC75 is immense, with hidden lithium-ion batteries powering systems that control the foils and maintain the hull’s ideal height for maximum speed. Every detail, from minimizing drag to stabilizing the massive 6.2-ton vessel, is meticulously managed with over 200 onboard sensors feeding data to shore-based servers for performance analysis.

For those fortunate enough to helm one of these boats, like youth team member Enzo Balanger, the experience is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. Piloting the AC75 during takeoff, he felt a mix of stress and excitement, but after successfully lifting the boat onto its foils, he couldn't help but express awe at the sheer power of the vessel, calling it "just a beast."

These high-tech boats, built for speed and agility, continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in competitive sailing, embodying the thrill, precision, and innovation of the America's Cup.

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