After their first America’s Cup challenge in 2021, the NYYC American Magic team made some changes in their quest for the trophy. In this change, it was notable to bring in Scott Ferguson (Jamestown, RI) to lead the design team. Scuttlebutt Editor Craig Leweck catches up with Ferguson for an update:
You became the design coordinator about five months after the 36th America’s Cup. How white was the sheet of paper?
Terry Hutchinson contacted me early as team managers weighed their options for the 37th Copa América. He commissioned a short-term job to start improving our simulator. Other than that, the page was blank. We collectively built the team from there with the intention of building a high performance American design and engineering team. Many team members and designers came together along with some highly motivated new talent.
What was the rating of the NYYC race boat American Magic in the 36th America’s Cup?
Patriot has many good features, but suffered from significant hull resistance in light takeoff as the main problem. Foils were a good low area solution for Auckland 2021, while systems and seaworthiness are an ongoing challenge that will continue at the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona, 2024.
What can you share about the construction and launch of the new ship?
We have a similar schedule to the previous event in Auckland for the next edition. The new boat will arrive in Barcelona about 4-6 months before the competition in October 2024. The boat will be built in Rhode Island, and I’m sure something will be announced in the next few months.
Any plans for a test boat (aka LEQ12 boat)?
We will be using AC40 to test some of our components and systems
The team aims to represent America with Americans and strengthen the future of sports in the country. How is this done within the technical team?
We are proud to represent America, and the technical and design team has many experienced Americans in leading roles. We also have our share of Internationals in key positions, which is inevitable to be competitive in the America’s Cup.
We have actively sought out design talent within our US borders and have matched many good young American engineers and designers with more experienced counterparts in their field so they can learn from their ideas and methods.
We aim to provide the best opportunities for US talent by fostering active mentoring and a transparent environment specifically for long-term technical futures.
Is the design team complete?
We are always looking for smart, innovative people with the right attitude and strong work ethic. The vision of our directors is continuity between the current 37th and the 38th America’s Cup. Much of our team is ready for this cycle, but we will always make room for the right motivated talent. As work progresses toward construction, we will need ongoing design and engineering help in all areas of the team. Anyone interested should contact [email protected]
Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on 17 November 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on 17 March 2022. The registration period opened on December 1, 2021 and extends to July 31, 2022, but Late entries for the 37th America’s Cup can be accepted until May 31, 2023. The host had to announce the venue of the match on September 17, 2021, but postponed the venue reveal, confirming that it would be Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup will take place in October 2024.
The teams to challenge defending champions Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) have been revealed:
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
Notice Board: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Additional information: www.americascup.com/en/home
