The marine systems expertise of VETUS is the driving force behind an ingenious seaworthy car which is currently playing a starring role in the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona.

In a unique project exclusively for this year’s America’s Cup, VETUS collaborated with the event’s Global Partner, CUPRA, and aluminum boatbuilders BravaBoats to create a sailing version of the CUPRA Terramar car.

The unconventional floating CUPRA Terramar America’s Cup vehicle is being used to lead the AC75 yachts towards the racecourse during the Louis Vuitton Cup final match, and as a hotspot for conducting interviews and to host streamers and influencers who are shooting content.

Seamlessly adjusting its leading marine technology for the automotive sector, the team at VETUS Spain supplied multiple systems, including engine, exhaust, fuel and steering solutions, plus bow and stern thrusters, joysticks and batteries, for integration within the car’s trimaran-like base and modified driver’s cockpit.

The VETUS specialists skillfully dimensioned the systems so the platform could be navigated across the water directly from inside the car, with the VETUS joysticks integrated into a redesigned dashboard for easy and independent control of the marine electronic maneuvering and propulsion.

Andrei Pilu, VETUS Spain Branch Manager, said: “We were thrilled to contribute to this unique project and embrace the challenge of integrating our proven marine equipment and innovative solutions into the CUPRA Terramar for the America’s Cup. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with both CUPRA and BravaBoats, and to witness the car sailing during the AC37.

“This project is a clear example that while cars and boats are different, they can share technology and mutually benefit from it. We would be delighted to continue collaborating with CUPRA. On the other hand, this is not our first collaboration with BravaBoats, who are very familiar with VETUS systems, and we are highly likely to continue doing projects together—probably building more boats than cars!”

Powered by VETUS, the bespoke platform for the CUPRA Terramar America’s Cup car is designed by BravaBoats’ nautical experts with the collaboration of CUPRA engineers to meet safety, buoyancy and stability standards, and supports up to 2,500kg on the Mediterranean waves.

The vehicle is required to sail for approximately eight hours a day, so VETUS elected to install an M3.29 diesel engine with saildrive, an engine with very low fuel consumption. For the installation, VETUS Spain dimensioned the complete VETUS exhaust system, including hose, waterlock and exhaust outlet, plus the fuel system of hose, filters and ILT connection equipment, and EC4 electronic controls on the side.

The VETUS team also dimensioned the entire hydraulic steering system, including rudder, cylinder, electro-hydraulic pump and rudder angle indicator, electing to use a joystick to control the steering system – the best solution to ensure safe and responsive operation, while also taking up minimal space.

For the maneuvering system, VETUS dimensioned and supplied the BOWPRO A Series bow and stern thrusters, connected to a double joystick DBPPJA. VETUS also supplied the batteries and the electric charger.

With the support of the CUPRA team, the joysticks of the BOWPRO, steering system and EC4 control were successfully integrated in the dashboard, independent of the car’s functions and in harmony with the aesthetics of the CUPRA Terramar’s interior, ensuring comfortable and safe operation of the trimaran.

CUPRA, one of Europe’s fastest growing car brands, bringing together emotion, electrification and performance, also paid tribute to the Port of Barcelona and the Port Vell, for their cooperation in showcasing the sailing version of the CUPRA Terramar.

The Louis Vuitton Cup finals culminate with the 37th America’s Cup match between INEOS Britannia and Emirates Team New Zealand from 12th to 27th October.