Training stopped on opposite sides of the world

Both Luna Rossa in Cagliari and Emirates Team New Zealand in Auckland interrupted AC75 training sessions during the first week of October 2026 while examining issues around their jib traveller arrangements. PressMare reported the incidents on 9 October, drawing on America's Cup Recon observations.

The causes have not been confirmed, and there is no basis for assuming that the two teams experienced identical faults. The significant news is the attention being given to a technically demanding part of sail trim during preparation for the next America's Cup.

Why the jib traveller is complex

An AC75 employs a three-dimensional traveller system that can adjust the lead of the jib sheet across, forward and aft and vertically. This gives the sail trimmers more control over aerodynamic shape than a simple conventional transverse track.

Changes to the sheet angle influence foot tension, leech shape and the interaction between jib and mainsail. The yacht's foiling speeds make small aerodynamic differences important, while imposing substantial loads on the control mechanism.

Hydraulics and electronic coordination

The traveller arrangements combine mechanical components, hydraulics and electronic controls, including programmable logic controllers. Precise and repeatable settings help crews alter sail shape as the yacht accelerates onto its foils or changes course.

Such sophistication also increases the importance of reliable sensors, control software and maintenance. An unexpected stop during practice can reflect a cautious inspection response rather than a catastrophic failure.

Aerodynamic covers and wear

The machinery sits beneath coverings intended to reduce aerodynamic drag around the deck. Those covers may use flexible materials or light composites and must accommodate repeated movement without obstructing the parts they protect.

Wear or damage to a cover can affect airflow and potentially interfere with control. However, there is no confirmed evidence that cover failure caused the observed interruptions at either team's recent training session.

The AC75 size boundary

The AC75 class is based around a 75-foot foiling monohull, a length of approximately 22.86 metres. That places the racing craft within LYG's 12.00–23.99-metre editorial boundary, despite its performance being very different from a similarly sized cruising yacht.

Foils and advanced rig controls create a specialised engineering environment. Owners of ordinary yachts should not interpret the racing technology as a recommendation for a similar retrofit without design and safety approval.

What the interruptions show

The sessions demonstrate how teams test not only speed but also reliability under repeated high-load manoeuvres. Race preparation involves learning from component wear and refining systems before competition.

The next confirmed information will come from the teams or official technical reporting. Until then, the exact causes remain uncertain and should not be presented as established.