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Boat Shape, Boat Speed

Posted 1 year, 3 months ago

Boat Shape, Boat Speed
Freshening up your predictions for the upcoming Match? Here's some perspective from our design coordinator, Ian Burns, (AUS) from a helpful Associated Press story that ran in today's IHT.... "Which is faster? Round or flat?," asked Ian Burns, the design team coordinator for ousted would-be U.S. challenger BMW Oracle Racing. "At first, they look very similar, but from a designer's point of view there are many differences." "One of the main drivers is how wide the boat is," said Burns. He said that effects every over aspect, including the design of the mast, rigging and sails. Burns and others said, so far, the Kiwis seem to have an edge in light winds, while Alinghi's boats like stronger winds. Barring mishaps, Burns said he expects racing to be extremely close, since speed edges are now minimal. "Now the America's Cup is a real sailing race," he said. Full story Ian "Fresh" Burns (AUS), BMWOR design coordinator. Keeping his powder dry, Fresh didn't go out on the limb and pick a winner. However, your Ed. will -- in a post here on the BOB tomorrow morning. Full Story »

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