AC Protocol allows “anything goes” boats based on AC45 hull shape
Note how the wing step is aft of the main crossbeam.
Start with AC45 hull shapes and add whatever you want
As long as the lower part of the hulls have the same shape as AC45 hulls, the designers can build whatever they want on top. In the Oracle renderings, we can see that they have designed flared hulls to accommodate cockpits, a grinding pedestal and wheel steering. They have added hydraulics for daggerboard control, an end plate under the wing, and what looks like a pod under the platform.
Why does this design show the wing stepped aft of the main crossbeam?
During AC34 Oracle made the slot in their wing bigger by changing the tab adjustment. This moved the center of effort aft, reducing the lee helm that had plagued them. The AC62 Class Rule does not permit a tab on the wing’s main element. Moving the mast position fore and aft will allow them to change the center of effort.
America’s Cup OTUSA design meeting. Renderings AC62. From Airbus video
This development boat is permitted by loophole in the rules for the 2017 America’s Cup. Read more about it here.