Seeing these boats fly around San Francisco Bay is like watching something straight out of a science fiction movie. At 72 feet long, they hydro-foil above the chop allowing unprecedented speeds and potential for disaster. Fast, exciting and extremely dangerous, have a look here at a ride on the wild side.
Hear from the ORACLE TEAM USA crew what it’s like to fly their AC72 “17” on foils, sometimes at speeds of over 40 knots, and experience the sensational acceleration from on-board.
Let’s hope they get through the summer racing safely, and then return to a more stable design for future Cup events.
David Rogers says:
Good thing there isn’t any good Maine drift wood out there
David Tew says:
Who knew that they’d get them to foil reliably to windward, too!
terry brower says:
I love it all. From old classics to ultra modern extremes. It’s sorta like the old guy at the circus. Elephants are fun to look at but I wouldn’t want to own one. And, what a strange world this would be if everyone liked exactly what I do.
Michael Naumann says:
fast and ugly
Paul Ludington says:
Is this really sailing? The J-Boats are magnificent and absolutely beautiful. The AC72’s are sort of freakish. I hope no one get hurt when these “boats” are racing against each other.
Scrib says:
Unfortunately, some one has gotten hurt; killed to be exact. Tragically unfortunate. An Olympic sailor with a wife and two children.
Gibby Conrad says:
What an interesting compare/contrast to the J boats in the previous video. While my tastes run more towards the classics, both videos gave me the chills. Good stuff!
Michael Seibert says:
Are we sure they don’t need a pilot’s license to do that? I much preferred the monohulls for years past, but that’s just one opinion from an OF.
Doug Crews says:
Jaw Dropping !!