Designs on the future
Yacht design took a radical step forward this past month as four America’s Cup teams launched and promptly took flight on their home waters. The 75ft foiling monohulls have been designed with as much aircraft design as naval architecture, given that the aim in 2021 will be to have the hull touch the water as little as possible. It has had its critics, but the AC75 Rule has certainly pushed the boundaries. Would you fancy a ride on one? I was more than sympathetic with Jim Radcliffe, who didn’t exactly jump at the chance when it was suggested at the Ineos launch that he take the 12th man spot. A couple of days later, I was lucky enough to have lunch with Halsey Herreshoff, whose grandfather Nat was responsible for one…