AC72s @SF: First Clash of Concepts
These pics, some video footage from a Webcam (check SA forums for stills) and a twitter by Oracle bowman Brad Webb, are the only available sources till now on yesterdays casual matchup between Artemis and Oracle. Not much wind, OR was foiling for moments downwind and they left Artemis wondering when flying… the key here to me is that not much wind was present on the Bay. This is where Grant Simmer’s description of their design choice for light, low aero drag platform (and flexy, and dangerous in high winds) might payoff ?
But this is a known scenario for Artemis design team, the answer I got for this once was: well but you also have to excel upwind in these conditions. And the series of images taken by Raget shows lots of floating moments for Oracle.
The good news for Artemis is that they still have their boat #2 on the bench. Juan K is putting his reputation at stake in this Cup.
Oracle is progressing but their flying seems not as stable as ETNZ.
Images Gilles Martin Raget.
Update: Just talked with one of the Arg Youths, they are training in the Bay and he saw both AC72s, he confirmed the rumour: both boats pretty square upwind, and downwind too until Oracle started flying…
Pretty happy after lining up against Artemis. Flew through to leeward last test of the day. They might be rethinking no-fly strategy.
— Brad Webb (@bwebbupfront) February 12, 2013
Artemis probably VERY happy with that.
Its their boat ver 1.0 and their wing ver 1.5 against Oracle boat ver 1.5 and wing 2.0, I thought Oracle would be much faster than that.
Impressive however if Oracle can be even on the upwind with all that drag from the lifting foils.
Maybe Artemis has the fastest non-foiling concept, would be possible to make the concept the fastest foiler. Will watch with anticipation….
Have been watching moth vids. and it looks really difficult in a heavy chop with the pitching motions.
By the way, JK has won the VOR 3 times in a row, now he steps in new territory against the likes of Morelli Melvin and others. If he does not succeed I don't see why his reputation would be destroyed. Farr designed the Abu Dhabi failure and now designs again for VOR. (That might tell it all about the next VOR though)
That said I just want to see the best team win…
Very happy? are you kidding? Glad they are not facing New Zealand at the moment
Artemis was toasted