Opening Summary
The Artemis AC72 is a cutting-edge high-performance 85-foot wing-sail catamaran designed for professional sailing teams who prioritize extreme speed, agility, and advanced offshore racing capability. As one of the premier America’s Cup-class yachts, the AC72 combines ultralight carbon fiber construction with innovative hydrofoil technology, delivering blistering acceleration, exceptional maneuverability, and unmatched performance under wind power alone. Unlike traditional cruising yachts, the AC72 focuses entirely on competitive sailing, providing a thrilling platform for elite sailors to push the limits of multihull design and offshore racing strategy.
Key Highlights
- Design & Construction: The 85-foot carbon fiber catamaran features a wide beam, rigid wing sail, and high-strength crossbeam structure. Lightweight epoxy composites and honeycomb core panels provide maximum strength-to-weight ratio, stability at speed, and exceptional torsional rigidity for foiling performance.
- Performance & Handling: Designed for short-handed or fully-crewed racing, the AC72 delivers extreme upwind and downwind performance. Hydrofoils lift the hulls above the water at speed, reducing drag and enabling top speeds over 47 knots. Advanced control systems and ergonomic deck layout ensure precise sail handling and responsive maneuvering under competitive conditions.
- Comfort & Layout: The AC72 is a pure racing platform with no cabins, galley, or traditional onboard accommodations. The layout is optimized for performance, crew operation, and safety rather than leisure or living comfort.
- User-Focused Systems: The helm and deck are equipped with specialized controls for wing sail adjustment, foil angle monitoring, and real-time performance metrics. Systems are designed for maximum efficiency, safety, and speed during competitive sailing.
- Market Reputation: The AC72 is widely recognized as one of the most advanced multihull racing yachts ever built. Artemis Racing's AC72 exemplifies elite design and technology in the America’s Cup, with a legacy of performance, innovation, and record-setting speeds.
Use Cases & Suitable Audience
The Artemis AC72 is ideal for professional sailing teams, competitive offshore racers, and design-focused sailing enthusiasts. It excels in high-speed coastal and offshore racing events, including America’s Cup competition. Buyers or teams seeking the ultimate cutting-edge racing platform will value the AC72's unmatched speed, maneuverability, and technological sophistication.
Cost of Ownership & Market Perspective
Operating an AC72 is aligned with top-tier professional racing budgets. Expenses include crew management, carbon-fiber and wing sail maintenance, foil inspections, race logistics, and storage at specialized training facilities. Due to its elite design, carbon-intensive construction, and race-specific technology, AC72 yachts are extremely rare and carry high prestige among competitive sailing teams.
Buying Advice
When evaluating an AC72, buyers should review hull and foil integrity, wing sail condition, onboard race electronics, and maintenance records. Consideration of intended use—America’s Cup campaigns, professional racing, or high-speed training—is essential. For those seeking an extreme performance racing catamaran that combines cutting-edge design, ultralight construction, and record-setting potential, the Artemis AC72 represents an unparalleled choice.
