The Guest Racer's Role in the AC75: A Unique Experience in the World of Sailing
The AC75, the most coveted ride in sport today, is a marvel of engineering and speed. Housed in Rule 40 of the AC75 Class Rules, the stipulation in 40.1 allows for a Guest Racer, whose mass is limited and equalized according to Rule 6. This rule ensures that the Guest Racer does not contribute to the racing of the yacht and is not a Team Member, except for the Team Principal or similar title holders.
The thrill of sailing an AC75 is unparalleled. In 2024, I had the opportunity to sail onboard the 2021 winning AC75 of Emirates Team New Zealand, Te Rehutai. It changed my perspective on sailing as a sport. Distances became incredibly short, waveforms irrelevant, and windage and G-forces became the focus. The speeds on the bear-away off Rangitoto Island were extraordinary, something I had never experienced before and may never see again.
The Guest Racer's experience is unique and unforgettable. An AC75 at race pace requires complete trust in the crew and equipment. Peering over the side, you witness the foils in action, and the sheer scale of the AC75 makes the physics seem overwhelming. The screeching of the mast rotating and the traveler being adjusted for optimum sail shaping is a challenging yet exhilarating experience. The boat's groans and creaks as it's pushed to its limits make it the greatest individual experience in sport.
Guest Racers in the America's Cup are not new. In 2007, the '18th Man' experienced the thrill of sailing the IACC yachts, which were sedate compared to the AC75s. In 2013, Guest Racers were prohibited for racing due to the extreme nature of the AC72 catamarans, but Tom Cruise and his son Connor had a memorable experience onboard Emirates Team New Zealand's boat during training.
Notable names in the past include motor-racing legend Michael Schumacher and tennis ace Anna Kournikova. In Barcelona, stars of the sporting world, such as Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Toto Wolff, experienced foiling. Marc Márquez, Marco Odermatt, Ferran Torres, and Kai Lenny also enjoyed rides on the fastest monohull yachts.
The AC75s, capable of speeds over 50 knots, offer a unique experience for the Guest Racer. It's a huge opportunity for the America's Cup to engage with global audiences, including fans, VIPs, journalists, sponsors, and influencers. The Guest Racer's role provides unparalleled access to the raceboats, allowing a wide variety of people to experience the pinnacle of sailing.
Dan Bernasconi, Head of Design at Emirates Team New Zealand, emphasizes the importance of the Guest Racer concept, stating that it broadens the event's appeal and provides access to the raceboats for new audiences. The design teams must factor in strict limitations, ensuring the Guest Racer and their equipment do not exceed 125kg and that equalizing ballast is added when no Guest Racer is present. The windage of the Guest Racer will also influence the overall deck design.
The Guest Racer's experience is the best seat in the house at the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup and all related events. It's the hottest ticket in the America's Cup, offering a privilege beyond compare. The opportunity to be part of the real, meaningful action in sailing is a unique and exciting prospect, making the Guest Racer's role a significant addition to the regatta.
