Antonov transports high-tech racing yachts

PRESS RELEASE – Antonov Airlines has transported three high-tech racing yachts that are designed to rise out of the water on hydrofoils. The yachts were carried to New Zealand by an AN-124-100 Ruslan aircraft for three separate racing teams from Italy, the UK, and the USA in preparation for the 2021 America’s Cup race.

The total weight of each consignment, including the yachts and support equipment, came to 20 metric tonnes. “Our engineers worked closely with the teams that organised the air shipment of these unique yachts to develop a safe loading and stowage system for the long journeys to New Zealand”, comments commercial director Andriy Blagovisniy of Antonov.

The first yacht was transported from Providence, Rhode Island, USA for the American Magic team, with the second travelling from London Stansted Airport, for the British Ineos Team UK, and the third departing Milan Bergamo Airport, Italy for the Italian Luna Rossa team.

The USA journey from Rhode Island took three days and included two scheduled fuelling stops in Chicago and Honolulu.

The air shipment of the cargoes from the UK and Italy both took three days as well with stops in Dubai and Surabaya, also for scheduled refuelling.

The AC75 yachts, which can reach speeds of up to 50 knots (92.6kph), have been designed to “fly” by rising out of the water on hydrofoils. The three yachts will compete against defending champion the Emirates Team New Zealand and the Stars and Stripes Team USA in the 36th America’s Cup next March.