Emirates Team New Zealand has launched the America's Cup Class (ACC) catamaran in which the team will compete for the America's Cup. The catamaran was captured on video at a pre-trial test in Auckland.
Emirates Team New Zealand members raise the sail by rotating the winches with their feet rather than their hands. The boat uses four bicycle frames for this purpose.
Foot-operated winches have not been used in America's Cup since 1960, when the competition rules were changed to prohibit them on 12-metre boats.
Compared to a conventional winch, a foot-operated winch is more efficient. They allow for quicker operation of the sails with minimum effort.
Earlier, the new Oracle Team USA and Land Rover BAR boats were presented.
The America's Cup «» will start on June 17. Qualifying races will start on 26 May in Great Sound, Bermuda.
