SPECIAL REPORT: AC 45 Cartwheel

A pair of sleek AC 45 cats demonstrated their eye-popping speed and agility yesterday, as a huge contingent of both local and international press looked on from the decks of the replica schooner America. As the narrow black hulls blasted past the schooner with remarkable precision, radio, TV and print reporters got their first sample of the vicarious thrill these cutting-edge racing machines can generate. But it wasn’t until after most journalists had packed away their gear and were about to leave the venue that the greatest excitement occurred — one of the cats buried her leeward hull and pitchpoled, launching skipper Russell Coutts right through the rigid wing, while the other crew members scrambled to stay aboard. 

(Footage by America’s Cup.)

If you haven’t been keeping up with recent America’s Cup developments, we should explain that the actual America’s Cup competition will take place here on the Bay in the summer of 2013, using 72-ft cats. The 45s seen here were purpose-built for a new pre-Cup exhibition called the America’s Cup World Series, which will tour the world with a series of promotional competitions. (See our America’s Cup FAQ for additional details.)

Meanwhile, the mainstream press is trying hard to educate themselves on the many issues facing this unique combination of A-Cup races. As part of that process, Latitude 38‘s Founder and Publisher Richard Spindler will be interviewed on KGO radio (AM 810) today at noon. Check it out.