Boat designers off to a flying start

There is no second place. In the America’s Cup, all that matters is crossing the finish line first in a high-speed chase that sees huge catamarans ‘fly’ above the water at speeds of 55mph.

In 2017, the Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) team hopes to compete against defending champions Oracle Team USA off the coast of Bermuda. Its aim is to bring the cup back to UK waters for the first time since 1851.

Engineering design is as crucial as sailing skill. In anticipation of this, BAR has recruited heavyweights in the design world. In April, for instance, ex-McLaren chief executive Martin Whitmarsh will be joining the group’s dedicated team of engineers. The team will also partner with four-time world champion Red Bull designer Adrian Newey.

Right now, BAR is in the midst of a two-and-a-half-year timetable to design the best catamaran for the race. On the day The Engineer spoke to the team, they had just received news that the 2017 America’s Cup is planning to implement a series of major rule changes to reduce team operational costs. The main change is to race in a smaller boat than the previously announced AC62 catamarans. This means going back to the drawing board to come up with the most optimal design.