America's Cup: Launch the of the prototype AC45 - Video

5:34 AM Tue 8 Feb 2011 GMT

'34th America’s Cup - AC45 launch' Gilles Martin-Raget/www.americascup.com Click Here to view large photo

The prototype AC 45 was launched in calm conditions this morning at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour after being blessed. This video shows the quick lift and launch process with the AC45 slung by the top of her mast from a 'sky hook'. Midway through the video we can see the hook-loop being dropped from the top of the mast, once the boat is afloat. The boat is attached to the hook by strops around the mainbeam. Apologies for the shakiness of the video in parts - taken from an iPhone up a pole - necessitated by other photographers walking in front ...

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by Richard Gladwell