Beyond the Cup - American Magic Helmsman Dean Barker and Live Sail Die's Chris Steele join AUT Sailing Professor Mark Orams and Matt Brown to discuss all of the news ahead of the Prada Cup Final, between INEOS Team UK and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. Video / NZ Herald
Know your tacks from your gybes and your bear aways from your bowsprits? No? We've got you covered with our dummies guide to the America's Cup as we edge closer to the battle for sailing's ultimate prize.
Auld Mug
The America's Cup trophy aka The Auld Mug. Photo / Photosport
Only 27 inches tall and around 3.8kg, the America's Cup isthe oldest trophy in international sport. It was first put up by the Royal Yacht Squadron for a 53-mile (85km) race around the Isle of Wight in 1851, along with a prize of £100. At 10am on 22 August 1851 the race was under way, with a fleet of 15 entries. After a gruelling day, America crossed the line first at 8.37pm, ahead of 14 British boats.
To advance in a windward direction using alternate tacks - i.e. "on the beat to windward". It is the most efficient way to proceed upwind and usually entails sailing with a close reach, approximately 60 degrees from the source of the wind.
Also, 'Boom' – the horizontal spar that supports the bottom of the sail.
Circolo Della Vela Sicilia
Circolo Della Vela Sicilia is the Challenger of Record for the 2021 America's Cup and has been associated with the Luna Rossa team since 2012. Photo / Dean Purcell
Established in 1933, the Sicily-based yacht club is the Challenger of Record for the 2021 America's Cup. It has been associated with the Luna Rossa team since 2012.
Also, 'Code Zero' – a triangular shaped sail, designed for sailing close to the wind in light air. Will give the AC75s extra power and allow foiling in light winds.
Deed of Gift
The document that has governed competition for the America's Cup since its inception. After America won the Cup in 1851, the trophy was donated to the New York Yacht Club. The Deed was written by George L Schuyler, one of the original donors of the Cup and a founding member of the NYYC. It was first penned in 1857, before subsequent updates by Schuyler in 1882 and 1887.
Enterprise
The defending boat in 1930, which thwarted the fifth and final attempt at the Cup by British tea and grocery magnate Sir Thomas Lipton, defeating Shamrock V 4-0. Lipton had first challenged in 1899, with Shamrock, and again in 1901, 1903 and 1920. He came closest in 1920, when Shamrock IV led 2-0 in the best-of-five series, before being overhauled by Resolute.
USA's American Magic and Patriot 2 lift up off the foils. Photo / Photosport
Instead of the traditional keel, the foil cant arms move under or outside an AC75 boat to provide the leverage needed to stay upright in the water. Luna Rossa were responsible for the design and supply of the foil arms for the 2021 event, while Team New Zealand looked after the battery-driven, hydraulic power unit that supplies the power to lift and lower the arms.
Foiling was introduced to the America's Cup arena by Team New Zealand, who first mastered the art in September 2012 on Auckland harbour.
