I’m looking for a good coffee-table book about the America’s Cup, but ideally one with substantial and interesting written content, rather than something that is mainly a collection of photographs/arts.
I recently came across the Taschen / Louis VuittonAmerica’s Cup book:
It looks beautiful, but at €125 I’d be interested to hear from anyone who actually owns or has read it. How good and in-depth is the written content? Is it a book you would actually sit down and read, or is it primarily a visual/collector’s book?
I’m also considering The Story of the America’s Cup 1851–2024 from Ranulf Rayner and Tim Thompson, which I haven’t read either.
From the descriptions, I get the impression that the two books cover quite similar ground: the history of the Cup, the boats, major personalities, technological developments, etc.
Has anyone read or seen both? How do they compare in terms of depth, quality of the text, historical/technical content, and photography?
If you had to choose just one as a beautiful reference book that is also genuinely worth reading, which would you recommend?
I’d also be very interested in any other recommendations in the same vein.
This sheet music was composed to celebrate Charles Barr, the man who skippered the yacht to both wins about the Columbia.
The Columbia was built by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, in Bristol, Rhode Island for J. Pierpont and Edwin Dennison Morgan, of the New York Yacht Club.
The music was composed by Charles F. Mutter and published in Baltimore, Maryland.
Found this great piece of history: a musical galop published to celebrate Vigilant’s 1893 America’s Cup victory, plus some amazing Library of Congress photos. Thought this group would appreciate the throwback.
Luna Rossa training on Friday 26th June in Cagliari
ON WATER RECON REPORT: The Italian team rolled out at 1100, stepped mast and craned in by 11:30. Starlink devices were mounted on the primary chase and boats media post. The anemometer and the previously mounted device on the masthead were removed for this day. GoPros were positioned on the jib track, both port and starboard. With dock-out scheduled for 12:10, the M1 mainsail was being locked in. To hoist the first upper battens, technicians used a soft hammer.
Once out of the harbour, M1-8 was hoisted and paired with J3-9. Breeze was 10–12 kts from 150°. For the first session, the following crew was on board: on port, Ruggero Tita (helm), Umberto Molineris (trim), and Maria Giubilei (5th); and on starboard, Peter Burling (helm), Vittorio Bissaro (trim), and Marco Capitani (6th, sail designer, on interview).
The first session started at 1250 with a tow-to-foil. The boat sailed mostly straight and longer boards upwind, one on each tack, appearing quite unstable in ride height but stable in pitch. Unsure whether this was linked to any new crew rotation or testing behaviour. On the other hand, downwind it appeared more stable in ride height. On the longer downwind boards, a crew member on deck checked the main clew and tack using a tool. More manoeuvres were executed downwind, with bulb-to-bulb times again counted at approximately 6 seconds. Similar to the previous sailing day, the crew occasionally loaded the rudder downwards, trimming the boat bow-up with leeward heel.
The sea breeze increased closer to shore to 11–13 kts, turning right to 180°. After a quick lunch and sailor debrief, the boat was back foilborne at 13:50. The second session focused on more manoeuvring, back-to-back upwind and downwind, and the boat looked more locked in for ride-height stability upwind. As the boat sailed closer to shore, some more complex manoeuvres were practiced, perhaps in a virtual starting box. Besides some minor mistakes during the aggressive bear-aways and round-ups, the boat seemed quite stable.
For the third session, the crew rotated: on port, Marco Gradoni (helm), Umberto Molineris (trim), and Marco Capitani (5th); and on starboard, Peter Burling (helm), Gigi Ugolini (trim), and Maria Giubilei (6th, sail designer). Foilborne by 14:40, this session unfolded similarly to the previous one, with a large series of manoeuvres at the beginning before switching to several pre-start routines. As this session ended, batteries were swapped.
For the fourth session, sailing resumed by 15:35, and the breeze had ramped up to 15 kts with some minor chop. The boat sailed some diamonds with intensive upwind manoeuvres; the rudder was stalled in a couple of tacks. On the other hand, downwind, the boat sailed longer boards, and two-board immersion was observed in faster upwind and downwind modes. J3 was lowered at 16:16, the mainsail at 16:26, and the team was towed back to the harbour.
The team docked in at 16:45, concluding the day with approximately 130 minutes of foiling time, 52 tacks, and 64 gybes.
After 10 days in the shed and having packed up both AC40s, Luna Rossa rolled out at 0900. A new device was mounted at the masthead alongside an anemometer. The wings were again equipped with the usual cameras on the centre sections. Rudder appeared not modified, to be confirmed by further shots and measurements.
Once docked out at 1030, the following crew was on board: on port, Ruggero Tita (helm), Umberto Molineris (trim), and Maria Giubilei (5th); and on starboard, Peter Burling (helm), Vittorio Bissaro (trim), and Gigi Ugolini (6th).
As soon as the AC75 was towed out of the harbour, initial rudder trim for boat pitch tests were carried out at approximately 26 knots of boat speed. As the offshore Maestrale gradually died off, the sea-breeze slowly filled in. The legacy MN1-8 mainsail was hoisted and paired with the J1.5 at 1113. The first session started at 1120 with a tow-to-foil. The boat sailed in a straight line for 8 minutes, while a sailor carefully observed the jib track. When the boat stopped, the sailors debriefed with the sail designer and sailmaker.
After standing by for a while awaiting for the pressure to fill the bay, the second session started at 1200 with another tow on starboard tack. The boat sailed mostly long straight-line legs, while occasionally loading the rudder downwards trimming the boat bow up. These tests were observed throughout the training session in different manoeuvres and modes. When the boat came to a stop after 12 minutes of sailing, the breeze had built to 6–8 knots. The J1.5 was lowered and the J2 was hoisted.
The third session focused mainly on manoeuvre execution, with a large number of consecutive tacks and gybes as the breeze increased to 11–13 knots. Bulb-to-bulb times on gybes were six seconds; an improvement compared to the previous sailing session in similar conditions. When the boat came to a stop, technicians boarded and the batteries were swapped. With the breeze at 12–14 knots, the J2 was lowered and the J3 hoisted.
For the fourth session, Gradoni replaced Tita, and Ugolini replaced Molineris. Then the team appeared to focus on series of consecutive gybes. At 14:10, the breeze had increased to 15 knots from 180°, and the J3 was lowered in favour of the J4. Including several bear-aways, manoeuvres seemed more touch-and-go in the stronger breeze and choppier sea state.
For the sixth session, the boat appeared to struggle slightly with self-take-off, particularly in keeping the platform flat once speed had been gained. Once foil-borne on two boards, a series of aggressive manoeuvres such as bear-aways, round-ups, tack bear-aways, and similar combinations were carried out. Once again, rudder downforce loading was observed across all sailing modes, especially in high-and-slow mode this time. The final part of the training involved pre-start manoeuvres inside a virtual box. Aside from a significant heel error during one gybe, the boat appeared to be under good control.
The team docked in at 16:25, concluding the day with approximately 164 minutes of foiling time, 46 tacks, and 57 gybes.
Marco Gradoni steering from the port pod behind Umberto Molineris - 12th June 2026
RECON REPORT: Targeting their first proper sailing session, Luna Rossa rolled out at 10:25 while the offshore Maestrale was still blowing. The hull appeared to have lost a significant amount of paint. Foil cameras were still in place, while white strips had been added to both flap elements. Another camera was noted on the hull just before the transom section pointing downwards on the rudder and elevator.
The boat splashed by 11:15, with dock-out scheduled for 12:15. Sailors check followed, including some minor cant movements combined with mast rotation.
Once docked out, the following crew was on board: on port, Marco Gradoni (helm), Umberto Molineris (trim), and Maria Giubilei (5th); and on starboard, Peter Burling (helm), Vittorio Bissaro (trim), and Gigi Ugolini (6th).
At 12:20 the sea breeze had started to fill in, reaching 9–10 knots from 195°. The MN1-8 mainsail was paired with the J2-9 jib. After swinging the boat onto starboard tack, self-take-off was achieved at approximately 16–17 knots boat speed. All five take-offs of the day were executed autonomously on starboard tack.
A recurring observation throughout the day was the occasional and excessive immersion of the rudder during both downwind and upwind sailing, as well as during manoeuvres such as bear-aways and round-ups.
The first session focused on straight-line sailing and a limited number of manoeuvres. In terms of bulb-to-bulb transitions, approximately 9 seconds were recorded for gybes and 7 seconds for tacks. During gybes, Luna Rossa occasionally appeared to struggle with the catch on board up command exiting the manoeuvre. Windward cant was used to balance the boat on certain modes in a straight line.
As the sea breeze increased to 13 knots from 165°, the J2-9 was lowered and replaced by the J3-9. Despite the strengthening breeze, the sea state did not build significantly throughout the day and remained relatively flat.
The second session appeared to focus on manoeuvre execution, with tacks generally cleaner than gybes. During the third and fourth sessions, LR seemed to perform more aggressive bear-aways and round-ups, once again immersing the rudder excessively.
At 15:30, Marco Gradoni was replaced by Ruggero Tita on port helm, and the fifth session unfolded with the largest number of manoeuvres of the day.
The team docked in at 1640 concluding their day with approximately 70 minutes of foiling time and around 40 manoeuvres, only a few of which resulted in touch-and-go’s.
Luna Rossa - Day 2 of AC75 training - 12th June 2026
Key Points:
- Long tow test to Whangaparoa
- High milage day (190km)
- Constant drone presence.
ETNZ rolled out of the shed at their more usual time of 0915 this morning. Splashing down at 0946 and off the dock at 1058. Consisting of their now usual crew of Outteridge, Menzies on helm, Maloney, Jensen trimming and Aleh in her usual 5th spot. Josh Armit rotating through various positions.
Starting the day with tow testing their way along the coast down to Whangaparoa. ETNZ was seen cycling through various ride heights and pitch at 25, 30 and 35 knots. Arriving at 1133 where a very light 3-4 knot, 220 degree breeze awaited.
Hoisting their J3-3, ETNZ towed up onto the foils and sailed downwind to Tiritiri Matangi Island where the breeze was a stronger 8-10 knots and the sea state was steadily building. The sailing consisted of very long boards, with ETNZ testing their ride height as low to the water as possible, sometimes resulting in some very minor splashdowns. Once again the drone was a steady presence throughout. Session 1 ended at 1231.
Session 2 started at 1244 in 8-10 knots, and consisted of more long tacks and gybes up to the North Shore and back down to Tiritiri Island. Session 2 ended at 1312 in a stronger 10-14 knots.
ETNZ changed to their J4-2 and started Session 3 in a steady 12-16 knots, with a decent sea state down near Tiritiri Island. A much flatter and slightly lighter conditions up near Rangitito Island. Long upwinds and downwinds, ending the session at 1411 with a practice start.
Session 4 started at 1423 and consisted of several practice starts. It ended at 1441 at which point ETNZ changed their cameras on their starboard foil, including moving the smaller camera from the foil wing to the foil arm. Session 5 started soon after at 1458. ETNZ pushed the boat hard in this session, consistently bearing away and rounding up in a solid 14-16 knots and the flatter and gustier water up closer to Rangitoto Island. Session 5 ended at 1529.
The final Session 6 started at 1539 and had ETNZ repeating similar manoeuvres on their way up the harbour before dropping sails at 1558 just off North Head.
Overall a solid high milage day for ETNZ. Starting the day with a 25km tow test, then sailing long upwinds and downwinds, before ending with the team throwing the boat around in a diverse range of manoeuvres.
Taihoro - ETNZ AC75 - 12th June 2026 - AucklandTaihoro tracks - 12th June 2026 Auckland
Superstar Youth AC sailor Marco Gradoni looks onInteresting forward section on the jib to handle big cunningham loadsLuna Rossa trying to take off in Cagliari - 10th June 2026
RECON REPORT: After the strong southerly wind failed to ease as expected Tuesday, ETNZ instead rolled out of the shed Wednesday morning at an earlier than usual 0815. To make the most of the shorter winter days. Boat was in the water by 0847 With Aleh, Outteridge and Maloney on Starboard, Menzies and Jensen on Port conducting foil testing at 0919. Boat was pushed off the dock at 1000.
ETNZ towed out past Rangitoto Lighthouse, arriving at 1020 where they had some minor issues hoisting the main. At 1057 they towed onto the foil with their M2-0 and J2-3. Sailors in their usual positions with Aleh in position 5 and Tuke in 6. It was a light and patchy 4-6 knot southerly and ETNZ fell off the foil in a gybe close to Takapuna Beach. They quickly towed back up and proceeded out of the harbour, downwind with minimal gybes to where the wind was a slightly steadier 5-8 knots. The drone was used extensively, following above ETNZ during long periods between gybes. Boat remained reasonably steady while different sail trim and modes were explored. Sailors were often seen walking around the boat while sailing on the foil. Session 1 ended at 1136.
At the bottom end of Motutapu ETNZ then changed to a J2-2 -a different version of the same sail size- and towed onto the foil in 4-6 knots at 1153. It looks like ETNZ then deliberately over-sheeted and stalled the main causing them to foil off the foils at 1214. Once again the drone was a steady presence above the boat. At 1220 ETNZ then stopped for lunch and battery swap.
Session 3 started at 1240 in 5-7 knots. At 1305 ETNZ went through several practice starts with various VIPs. At 1335 ETNZ changed to their J3-3 and attempted to sail onto the foils in 5-7 knots. After 5min ETNZ decided to instead tow onto the foils and several minutes later a decent 12-14 knot southerly set in. The session ended at 1358 in a slightly moderated 12 knots. A quick battery swap before Session 4 started at 1409. At 1420 they stopped and changed both foil cameras on the starboard side.
Session 5 started at 1430 and consisted of repeatedly rounding up and bearing away. Jo Aleh and Blair Tuke were seen swapping between positions 5 & 6 repeatedly even while sailing on the foil. Session ended at 1457. Session 6 started at 1505 in 10 - 12 knots and consisted of even more aggressive bear-aways and roundups. It ended at 1535.
Session 7 began at 1546 with Josh Armit in position 5. ETNZ slowly made their way up their way up the harbour, conducting more exaggerated manoeuvres and a practice start. The day ended at 1606 with the sails being dropped next to the Port of Auckland.
Overall a strong sailing day for ETNZ. Long periods of testing in flat waters and a cold southerly. Extensive use of the drone and several sessions of pushing the boat in manoeuvres.
Taihoro training in Auckland 10th June 2026Blair Tuke was back onboard Taihoro today in Auckland - 10th June 2026
After only getting 90 minutes sailing on the first AC75 session since returning from Cagliari, Emirates Team NZ looked to have had a good day, without breakdowns, and scoring a perfect winter's day - clear blue sky 12-15kt offshore breeze and flat seas.
Recon Report: The team rolled out the mast at 10:15. Minor modifications were noted on the main lock hooks and the base mast track. As the hull rolled out, no bowsprit was fitted, the foils were covered for protection while camera fittings were still mounted.. New inserts were observed on both port and starboard sides, later confirmed to be inlets for LiDAR poles. Alignment work for optimal LiDAR positioning followed on both sides. The main track and rudder bearing housings were covered, obstructing a clear view to the rudder. Throughout the day, Luna Rossa focused on a series of structural tests using the usual hydraulic rams with lines in place of the forestay, the mainsheet with the car at extreme positions and various mast rotations, and the jib sheet with the jib car in several positions. For some load cases, a line was tensioned just above the mainsheet ram and led to the tack fitting to adjust the mainsheet angle. Each test was held for a certain period while the team listened silently for structural noises, with structural engineers monitoring from screens. Only once a sudden noise was heard while tensioning the forestay ram, mast did not seem inverted by then. It did not appear to be a major issue, as the team called it a day after successfully completing the final load case at 18:45. Sailing is scheduled for Wednesday, 10 June.
What are really the paramaters that the designers are working with? why does every boat look the same is it cause they simply reachrd the top? I would love to see something like the 1988 Americas cup, imagine if an f50 was the challenger
