( CNN ) -- Never underestimate the little guy . At just 22 meters long , the new hi-tech America 's Cup yacht is more than three meters shorter than its predecessor . But that has n't stopped the $ 10 million boat -- dubbed AC72 after its 72-foot hull -- making big waves in the sailing world . The super sleek yacht makes its America 's Cup debut this year , replacing the larger 25-meter ACC , which first raced in 1992 . Along with its shorter hull , the new vessel will also have far fewer members on board -- down from around 17 to 11 . But if you thought its smaller size and smaller crew made it less speedy , think again . The new yacht features two hulls , giving it the appearance of a `` flying boat , '' and helping it to cut across the water with ease . But with greater speed -- around 40 knots -- comes greater safety concerns . Earlier this year , British Olympic gold medalist Andrew `` Bart '' Simpson was killed when the AC72 he was training on capsized in San Francisco Bay . As the 34th America 's Cup kicks off in San Francisco next month , all eyes will be on the new fleet of futuristic -- and stripped back -- vessels .
The AC72 -- the new America 's Cup yacht . Much smaller , lighter and faster than before . But with greater speed has also come some safety concerns . Follows death of Robert Simpson , after yacht capsized during race .