America's Cup Update

[thinwater]

... Just wondering in the last race if NZ should have done a better job covering them in match racing mode. They let them split for the upwind leg and never tacked on top of them to mess up their air. ....

Those of that have raced beach cats in a strong breeze will tell you that is generally a complete waste of effort to tack onto someone. Yes, you will try to maneuver in such a way as to stay between the other boat and the mark to reduce the risk that the other boat finds better conditions, but the boats tack slow and accelerate fast. The moment you realize the other boat is tacking you simply make other plans and avoid them. You apply loose cover if convenient and otherwise go for boat speed. That is what we saw. The only exceptions are at the start and near laylines, when the other boats options are more limited.

 

[StinkBug]

The wing design. I was thinking about that on the way home one day. Would that design work on a monohull? Not like it does on the cats, but a split design modified for monohulls. It is interesting how there really are what appear to be two mains. I know that is not the case, but there was the wing and then there was the flap at the end of the wing.

I wonder...

Yes a wing will work on a monohull, and has been done before. Every sail is essentially a wing in it's simplest form. The solid wings we saw on these boats are just rigid and optimized for the best performance. The reason there are 2 sections is so that it can hinge and work with the wind in either direction. otherwise the wing would only function on one tack. We saw what would happen without that hinge when ETNZ almost went over cause the wing didn't pivot.

 

[rpwillia]

It was approved

Was the device allowed under the Deed?

But, I am not sure ETNZ knew about it. Perhaps next time they get Airbus as a sponsor. :stirthepot:

 

[Sailm8]

Yes a wing will work on a monohull, and has been done before. Every sail is essentially a wing in it's simplest form. The solid wings we saw on these boats are just rigid and optimized for the best performance. The reason there are 2 sections is so that it can hinge and work with the wind in either direction. otherwise the wing would only function on one tack. We saw what would happen without that hinge when ETNZ almost went over cause the wing didn't pivot.

Here's one for a sunfish: http://www.solidwingsails.com

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

Here's one for a sunfish: http://www.solidwingsails.com

Ok. That is cool. I would love to sail one of those.