The French AC75, the La Roche-Posay Racing Team, unveils its new livery and sails again from Lorient touches the practical business of boats, sailors, clubs, ports and the people who keep the waterfront moving. In what is still a major first for France, where no AC75 had previously been launched or sailed, the relaunch also sends a strong message for the first time in the history of the Americas Cup a single French challenger is competing in two consecutive campaigns, competing with the very best teams.
Once the lines are slipped, the value will show in the choices made on deck, at the harbour office, in the club launch and among the crews trying to turn news into something useful afloat.
In what is still a major first for France, where no AC75 had previously been launched or sailed, the relaunch also sends a strong message for the first time in the history of the Americas Cup a single French challenger is competing in two consecutive campaigns, competing with the very best teams. Unveiled three months after La Roche-Posays arrival as sponsor, this new livery reflects a partnership built on science, innovation and the pursuit of performance.
The new livery also reflects a major technical evolution of the foiling monohull since 2024: beneath its familiar silhouette several months of work on the AC75 were required to adapt it to the new competition rules, a crew reduced from eight to five sailors, and a completely redesigned energy system. Measuring 75 feet in length nearly 23 metres the AC75 is one of the fastest and most complex racing yachts ever designed.
Thanks to its foils, it can lift its hull completely out of the water and reach speeds in excess of 50 knots. Antoine Carraz, Technical Director of the La Roche-Posay Racing Team: A launch is always a special moment.
So, the challenge was not to build a new AC75, but to adapt the 2024 model within a radically revised technical framework. The deck plan, cockpits, weight distribution, control systems, electrical and hydraulic circuits, as well as crew ergonomics, have all been revised to comply with the new rules.
Weve had to rethink its internal architecture and the way the crew interacts with the vessel. From eight to five crew: a new on-board organisation The most visible change is with the crew.
In Barcelona, eight crew members were on board the AC75. In Naples, there will be just five, with a requirement to include at least one woman in the crew.
It requires a redistribution of roles, a rethink of the crews positioning, and making each function more accessible, quicker and more intuitive. Each crew member must have instant access to the information needed for steering, sail trim, and flight control.
Antoine Carraz: Going from eight to five crew members changes everything: ergonomics, communications, the division of tasks and the control systems. This innovation is unique in the sport, as a guest will be able to experience the thrills of the race, at the heart of the team, and in real time.