Maintaining AC45 Race Boats for Trials

February 9, 2013

The hometown team, American Youth Sailing Force (AYSF) has taken over regular maintenance of two AC45 yachts for use in the Red Bull Youth America's Cup (RBYAC) International Selection Series. This Selection Series determines which four international youth teams will compete in the RBYAC September 1-4 prior to the America’s Cup. The two-part trials take place February 9-15 and February 18-24. The last three days of each series include direct head-to-head competition between rivals.

Proper yacht maintenance is pivotal to competitive, safe and exciting racing. AYSF Team Manager Ian Andrewes (age 22) and teammate Evan Sjostedt (age 19) are working full-time with Oracle Team USA’s AC45 rigger, Sam Newton, to bring the boats into full-competition mode. “It’s been a while since some of these boats have gone out, and parts need to be upgraded or replaced,” said Ian.

Attention to every detail on the boats in extremely important. You really don’t want something to break going 30 knots. Disassembling and rebuilding the winches is an example of the work they've been performing. The boys are enthusiastic about working with Newton. “Its been great having him as a guide to how things work around the Pier 80 base. It is also cool to work out with him and have him and the other Oracle sailors challenge us in the gym each day,” says Evan.

During the International Selection Series, Ian and Evan are responsible for launching the AC45 race boats daily. According to Evan, “It’s usually two hours of preparation before sailing and about one hour of work after sailing.” For Ian, the AC45s winged sails are the greatest concern. “They are the most fragile and take the most abuse. I’m hoping there won't be any serious damage during the next two weeks of the Selection Series, but we will be ready either way.”

Although far from glamorous work, Evan exudes enthusiasm. “This is a huge advantage to the team to be able to spend this much time on the boats, even if they are on dry land. Essentially we are learning the ins and outs of every system on the AC45.” Ian adds, “Its great for us to be tasked with such an opportunity. For us its like we are part of OTUSA.

An AC45 with the Red Bull branding. ©2013 Erik Simonson/www.pressure-drop.us

The international teams begin on-the-water training in the AC45s tomorrow, leading to race practice later in the week. Today, the teams were put through their paces on shore by Sports Directors Roman Hagara and Hans-Peter Steinacher, where the physical demands of sailing an AC45 wing sail catamaran were made clear through an exhausting fitness evaluation.

“That’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” said Michael Ovenstone, a 22-year-old trimmer for South Africa’s i’KaziKati team. “I really feel the burning in my arms."

The international youth sailing teams were put through their paces today. ©2013 www.americascup.com

Along with the fitness testing, the teams were instructed on how to sail an AC45 and how, hopefully, to avoid capsizing. “We’re talking to them about the four most common scenarios that can lead to a capsize,” said Darren Bundock, from Oracle Team USA, who is one of the coaches sharing his expertise. “But I imagine we could see some creativity over the course of these sessions in finding some new ways we haven’t encountered yet.”

The six national teams taking part in the first session of the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Selection Series are:

AUS – Objective Australia
AUT – Team Austria
DEN – Danish Youth Vikings
GER – STG-NRV Youth Team
NZL – Full Metal Jacket Racing
RSA – Team i’KaziKati

Then, from February 18-24, a second group of youth crews will go through the same process, including the following teams:

ARG – Arg Youth Team
GBR – GBR Youth Challenge
ITA – Team Italy powered by Stig
POR – ROFF/Cascais Sailing Team
SUI – Team TILT

At the end of the second session, at least four teams will be selected to proceed to the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup taking place from September 1-4, right before the America’s Cup Finals in San Francisco.

For more, see www.americascup.com and www.americanyouthsailingforce.com.