A much anticipated aspect of the 36th America’s Cup, set to be held in Auckland, New Zealand in 2021, is the Youth America’s Cup which already has more than 15 teams from around the world confirmed to take part. The event will be raced on a new carbon foiling mono-hull – the AC9F – designed by the Yachting Developments design team led by Bob Graham. A fleet of AC9F models is set to be built at the Yachting Developments yard, which will allow for simultaneous match racing between participating teams.

This first AC9F model was completed by Yachting Developments in March 2020 and christened Kōtare, meaning ‘Kingfisher’ in Maori. Sea trials on Kōtare were delayed due to New Zealand’s nationwide lockdown, but initial tow testing of the first model has taken place and all involved were delighted with how this prototype AC9F performed in its first tests, with its performance hinting at how thrilling the Youth America’s Cup is set to be.

*Sail testing with North Sails and Southern Spars on the Waitematā Harbour. Image: Georgia Schofield / Yachting Developments*

“We still have more testing to complete but after her first sail it is good to confirm that she certainly flies.” says Ian Cook, Managing Director of Yachting Developments.

Image: Georgia Schofield / Yachting Developments

“It was impressive work by everyone involved to achieve our goals so quickly.” Bob Graham, Designer at Yachting Developments. A massive thank you to North Sails, Southern Spars and Harken for their collaboration and ongoing support in this project.

Although there is still more testing to be done this is a great move in the right direction. The Youth America’s Cup will be an unmissable chance to bring young sailors from around the world to race in Auckland’s waters on an exciting design that will demand the best of all their skills.

First Sail trials on ACF9 Youth America’s Cup boat