AC45 Testing: Helmet time
Photo: Gillles Martin Raget – www.americascup.com
Photo: Gillles Martin Raget – www.americascup.com
Photo: Gillles Martin Raget – www.americascup.com
“Testing the limits” is the name of the folder containing these new pics from Gilles.
The X40s have a tendency to pitch in big winds/gusts, but the AC45 is a modern hull cat design by **edit* the Oracle Racing Team and should avoid somehow that extreme position.
Nevertheless the Wing adds more power, and with the crew being on the learning curve in strong winds we’ll see actions shots like these very often.
Indeed this is what the organizers are looking for.
Check position of the crew left and in the 2nd pic.
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**I’ve just received a mail from Mike Drummond, Oracle Racing Team Design Director , pointing out that the AC45 was designed inhouse by them and not by MM as I wrote/thought.
Have they found the limitations of that minimalized deck strut arrangement?
You wouldn't see waffling like that, if it was a Swiss construction… ; -)
Blackburn
On the other hand, in the AC45 videos that came later, the boat appears stiff.
Here's some info about the various 'tubes':
https://riggingnews.blogspot.com/2011/02/ac45-is-now-familiar-sight-on-aucklands.html
BB