RB3 — the AC75 that changed modern foiling
Alexandra
Moving an AC75 like RB3 requires bespoke logistics: a 23m hull, towering rig and removable L-shaped foils demand specialised cradles, heavy-lift cranes at port, roll-on/roll-off or break-bulk shipping and coordinated customs clearances for spares when racing on an international circuit. Berthing an AC75 temporarily ties up deep-water slips and ramps which affects marina slot allocation, support-vessel movements and transient berth availability for charter operators during major regattas.
AC75 ‘RB3’ at a glance
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hull name | RB3 (INEOS Britannia) |
| Class | AC75 foiling monohull |
| Length overall (LOA) | 23 m / 75 ft |
| Top speed (reported) | 55.6 knots |
| Launched | 2024 |
| Berths | 0 (race yacht) |
| Indicative boat-only price | €10+ million |
| Adrenaline factor | 98% |
Why RB3 made headlines
RB3 was the hull name of INEOS Britannia, the British AC75 campaigned in the 37th America’s Cup Match after winning the Louis Vuitton Cup Challengers Series — Britain’s best Cup performance in over 90 years. The design represents a leap from smaller foiling classes into a highly integrated engineering platform where hydrodynamics, control systems and human performance meet at extreme speed.
Performance and handling
- Foiling dynamics: L-shaped foils generate lift that reduces wetted surface and enables speeds rivaling offshore powercraft.
- Control systems: Hydraulic and mechanical interfaces demand specialist technicians and spares on site.
- Helming demands: Increased sensitivity and power require a trained helm and coordinated grinder/wing trimmer teams.
Dylan Fletcher and the helm
Dylan Fletcher served as co-helmsman aboard RB3 during AC37, sharing America’s Cup helming duties with Sir Ben Ainslie. Fletcher described the transition from the AC40 to RB3 as a “huge leap,” praising the yacht as “an incredible piece of engineering” that rewards precision and finesse. For a sailor stepping into Cup-level foiling, RB3 represented both a technical and emotional milestone: Fletcher called it “breathtaking” and a fulfillment of a long-held ambition to helm a British America’s Cup entry.
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Background and career highlights
Dylan Fletcher is currently at the tiller for the Emirates GBR SailGP F50 and is a former Olympic gold medallist and world champion in the 49er, as well as an International Moth world champion. His experience across skiff, foiler and foiling-cat platforms gives weight to his assessment of RB3’s handling and performance characteristics.
Operational checklist for transporting and staging AC75s
| Task | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cradle & trailer | Custom cradles to support the hull and removable foils; specialist low-loader trailers for land transit. |
| Cranes & shore support | 50–200 t mobile cranes at embarkation/disembarkation points; certified rigging crew. |
| Customs & documentation | ATA carnets, temporary import/export paperwork, spare parts manifests for race circuits. |
| Spares logistics | Foils, control actuators, electronics and wing sections must travel on schedule; lead times measure in days not hours. |
| Marina requirements | Deep-water berths, dedicated service piers and exclusion zones for high-speed trials. |
Implications for marinas, charter markets and boat renters
High-profile AC75 campaigns concentrate resources: support craft, shore teams and logistics can temporarily reduce berth availability for visiting yachts and charter operators. Yet the technological advances and media exposure from boats like RB3 boost public interest in performance sailing, creating demand for adrenaline-driven charter experiences and shore-based spectator packages. Training standards rise too: charter captains, instructors and crews increasingly encounter clients who want thrill-oriented sailing activities or short-term racing experiences.
GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The platform values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course: it places no limits on a good life, allowing clients to find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget and taste.
How RB3’s legacy can influence charter offerings
- New demand for high-performance experiences: more guests seek fast sailing days, foiling demonstrations or rides on performance powerboats.
- Upgraded marina infrastructure: increased investment in deeper berths and heavier shore cranes benefits larger charter yachts.
- Training and safety: charter operators may adopt higher safety and crew training standards inspired by professional campaigns.
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Highlights: RB3 illustrates the intersection of cutting-edge naval architecture, competitive sailing skill and complex logistics. Experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process where one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
In summary, RB3 and the AC75 era pushed boundaries in hull design, foiling mechanics and event logistics — lessons that ripple into charter and leisure boating through increased spectator interest, upgraded marina facilities and a higher bar for safety and crew proficiency. Whether you prefer a calm day at a secluded beach, a fishing trip on clearwater bays, or a fast sail on a performance yacht, platforms like GetBoat.com provide global access to yacht and boat charters, transparent listings with make, model and ratings, and options to rent, buy or charter vessels from superyacht to small motorboat. Find the right captain, choose your destination, and set your course and sail.
