Representatives from a prospective Challenger from China had a short test sail on board the AC45 today (Thursday 10 February).


While the time on board was brief, it was long enough for the prospective team’s General Manager Thierry Barot and designer Yann Dabbadie.



“The boat is very well balanced, a very safe design that is great for teams without much experience,” said Dabbadie after observing the AC45 in Auckland. “It’s very basic and very easy to handle – a very good first step.”



For Cup veteran Barot, who was with Team China during the 32nd America’s Cup, the new AC45 gets a thumbs up: “It’s magic. It’s impressive on the water. There is so much power yet it is so safe. I really think it will be exciting for public and media.”



The prospective team will leave New Zealand after three days of meetings with America’s Cup officials including Regatta Director Iain Murray. 

”We are getting closer,” Barot said of China’s prospects for challenging. “We hope to start training soon with the Chinese team.”

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