AMERICA’S CUP: Artemis Racing became the first America’s Cup challenger to launch its AC45 Turbo development catamaran in Bermuda on May 15.

The Swedish team’s foiling AC45 Turbo began sea trials in the Great Sound on Tuesday after being launched from its new temporary base at the Royal Naval Dockyard.

The team says the first two days of sailing provided a real insight into what it can expect ahead of America’s Cup World Series in Bermuda this October, and the finals of the 35th America’s Cup in 2017.

Helmsman Nathan Outteridge commented: “We’re really excited to be the first challenger out on the Bermudan waters on the AC45. There have been a number of critics of the Bermuda venue, but foiling around in 10 knots of breeze here, in flat turquoise water is pretty sweet.”

Team manager Iain Percy said: “We were really just out there exploring the course on day one and checking the equipment after it’s journey from San Francisco. Over the last few days we’ve learnt that it is a tricky venue, it’s really shifty and gusty, and further to that, it’s tight.”

After the mandatory system checks the team was soon flying round the Great Sound, travelling to the boundaries of the course, managing to get a solid four hours under their belt on day one.

via Boating Business – Artemis launches AC45 Turbo in Bermuda.