America’s Cup
- Thread starter Davidasailor26
- Start date
These are not the same as a J class, 12m or IACC boats. These are much closer too, but even more radical than, an F1 car. When was the last time you saw rides in an F1 car advertised? Any of us could hop on an IACC and figure out how to sail it (maybe not fast, but at least make it go) but an AC75 is not the same kind of beast as we are used to. The liability for the operator is a lot higher. Then again, you will be able to book personal space flight soon so you never know. I'm sure for the right price it is possible but it won't be a lunch cruise around the bay.
The speculation for the American Magic crash was they tried a challenging maneuver, tack - round - jibe, with very little warning and a large gust hit them at the same time. It appeared the running back stay was not released which may have held the main in but really, you can't release the main very far on these boats anyway. Bad planning and bad luck together made for a bad day.
The wind shifts and gusts of the last couple days have certainly added a more competitive element. I really enjoyed last nights race and hope to see a few more like it.
On the American Magic crash - DArcy’s summary is what I’ve seen in all the discussions. That tack - bear away is very difficult because the tack slows you down, bringing the apparent wind back during the bear away farther than the main is designed to trim. in all the races since that day I don’t think I’ve seen the tack - bear away tried often or at all, even when it would’ve been a tactical benefit.
I’d add that in the races after that the boat looked very unstable in similar conditions when bearing away. There was lots of talk about them being a faster boat in high wind speeds because their foils were so small and low drag. I think they took that design philosophy a little too far and built a boat that was slow in light air (foils too small to lift the boat) and too hard to sail in very big air (foils so small they couldn’t control the lift without cavitation).
On the American Magic crash - DArcy’s summary is what I’ve seen in all the discussions. That tack - bear away is very difficult because the tack slows you down, bringing the apparent wind back during the bear away farther than the main is designed to trim. in all the races since that day I don’t think I’ve seen the tack - bear away tried often or at all, even when it would’ve been a tactical benefit.
I’d add that in the races after that the boat looked very unstable in similar conditions when bearing away. There was lots of talk about them being a faster boat in high wind speeds because their foils were so small and low drag. I think they took that design philosophy a little too far and built a boat that was slow in light air (foils too small to lift the boat) and too hard to sail in very big air (foils so small they couldn’t control the lift without cavitation).
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,147
I figure that the crews are learning the techniques of these boats. If the boats are used again for the next competition then the designs and crews will learn even more about the abilities and liabilities of these innovative designs.
While I agree it is unlikely these boats will be giving public rides in the near future. It looks like it would be fun.
While I agree it is unlikely these boats will be giving public rides in the near future. It looks like it would be fun.
All wrapped up with some great sailing by New Zealand. Just a couple small mistakes and bad luck for Italy along the way, and a boat not fast enough to hide them.
Rumors are that Britain’s Royal Yacht Squadron has submitted the challenge for the next iteration, likely to be sailed in the same class of boat. We’ll see what that brings.
Rumors are that Britain’s Royal Yacht Squadron has submitted the challenge for the next iteration, likely to be sailed in the same class of boat. We’ll see what that brings.
That was a fantastic event. The first few races were were very close with no clear advantage to either team, exciting even without any passes. Then they started to mix it up with some lead changes and it got even better. The New Zealand boat was just a bit faster and once the team got in the grove they started to sail away. The Italians sailed extremely well and held the Kiwis off as long as they could but in the end, the faster boat won. Great sailing.
I agree, it was fun to watch. The last couple of days was interesting as the Kiwis just found another gear and said "Let's finish this thing". I asked my wife early on when it was still tied where would she rather got to watch the next one and she said NZ over Italy, so we pulled for the Kiwis. LOL Anyway, who knows, maybe we will get to the next one and see it all "up close".
For all those who enjoyed the racing with the AC75 class it looks like you’ll get to see them in at least 2 more race cycles -
www.sailing.org
Also of note is that nationality requirements of the sailors will be much more stringent, requiring 100% of the sailors to have passports from the country they represent or have lived there 2 of the last 3 years. Seems like that would mean Jimmy Spithill can only sail for Australia (and maybe Italy) and Dean Barker could only sail for NZ (who probably doesn’t want him) or maybe the US.
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron accepts Notice of Challenge for 37th America's Cup
News and Features from the Official Website for World Sailing, the world governing body for the sport of sailing.
Also of note is that nationality requirements of the sailors will be much more stringent, requiring 100% of the sailors to have passports from the country they represent or have lived there 2 of the last 3 years. Seems like that would mean Jimmy Spithill can only sail for Australia (and maybe Italy) and Dean Barker could only sail for NZ (who probably doesn’t want him) or maybe the US.
I would revolutionize cup racing by replacing the running rigging with hydraulic or pneumatic vangs. That would clear out a lot of space and need for the athletic types allowing old farts like myself compete. Would need to add a coffee pot, after all we must maintain some civility.
They’ve already thought of that (well, not the coffee pot part
). Everything below the waterline is controlled by battery powered hydraulics and electronics. Everything above the waterline is powered by the grinders, but they’re only pumping hydraulic oil. The multi-ton Cunningham, outhaul, and traveler are all hydraulic rams. The sheets might be run to winches, but those are hydraulic as well, not a direct connect to the grinding pedestals.
So NZ's development and retention of talent has come to be a competitive advantage over those teams who have bought talent. I am kind of happy about this shift in values and expect it to lead good places.