There has been a ton of controversy about the format of the next America’s Cup, to take place in 72 foot wing-masted cats. Part of the package is a 45 foot “trainer” to get the crews up to speed on sailing with a wing.
The first of the trainers has been launched in New Zealand.
On the second day of trials they were doing 30 knots in 20 knots of breeze.
To those of you bored by this event imagine racing in a big sister with tacking and jibing faster than any monuhull ever dreamed, at twice the speed of the traditional keel boats.
We submit this is going to be an amazing event for sailors and general public. Our hats are off to Larry Ellison and Russ Couttes.
Posted by Steve Dashew (January 20, 2011)
January 20th, 2011 at 7:19 am
So will they lengthen the course or shorten the race (time) it will be over in a blink at those speeds!!
January 20th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
i was doing a little fishing when they come by me up the rangitoto channel – cool indeed.
here they use 8.5m RIBs with twin 6cyl outboards as chase boats. i can tell you, when they scale up to the 72ftrs, theyll need much more capable chase boats too! impressive stuff.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
I agree – its going to be fantastic, even in the relatively low wind area of the San Francisco Bay. I hope you make it up here to SF for the cup, with Windhorse – so I can check it out when you’re here.
January 20th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
Wow.
At least the 12-meter boats had some relationship to sailing. I’m having trouble figuring out what applications that has to everyday sailing life.
January 20th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Steve,
Being out in the Southwest have you ever experimented with the winged dirt sailers? Great photos – thanks for sharing!
January 20th, 2011 at 11:50 pm
Hello Michael:
I have been thinking about dirt sailors for a long time, but have yet to make the connection. But now that you mention it we will have to find the closest dirt sailing area and check it out.
January 21st, 2011 at 11:47 am
Hi —
Great article. Can’t wait to see their big brothers in SF!
January 21st, 2011 at 11:50 am
Hi Dashews — this is not for general consumption.
The photography of Setsail is amazing and the articles often have appeal beyond the sailing community. Ever think of adding a ‘share on Facebook’ icon? It would make it easier to spread your work to others.
I’m surprised on a fairly regular basis at the number of sailors and boaters I meet who aren’t aware of Dashew designs and books. They should be. Reading your work and visiting setsail has made me a better sailor, captain and boat owner.
Keep up the great work!
Best
Karl
January 21st, 2011 at 10:34 pm
Thanks for the kind words and suggestion. We will check with or Word Press guru and see if we can do this.