The BMW Oracle Trimaran has sailed in Valencia. And up to 4 times the speed of the wind at that!
Huge rig canted to windward
Arguments still abound over just about every aspect of this race, but it will all be academic if these boats dont make it round the track, and that must be on the minds of some of the participants.
Who needs wind?
What is clear is that this boat does not need much wind to strut its stuff. There is an excellent video of the boat on The Daily Sail – you will need to subscribe but its worth a look.
Happy 2010 all you out there! Here we have some great pics of the latest from Valencia. All is well as we come close to the February match date. Or is it?
Not really. You see – they are still squabbling! The Americans say the Swiss have sails not made in Switzerland. The Swiss say their sails are made in Switzerland, and anyway the rules dont cover sails.
Whether the rules cover sails has yet to be agreed by a judge – and it seems that is the only way anyone can agree on anything in this ridiculous match. For what its worth, my reading of the rules says “sails not included”. But I’ afraid that’s not really worth that much 🙂
Anyway – let’s just enjoy the amazing spectacle of the Americans putting that gigantic mast up and the Swiss pottering about offshore in the cold waters of winter in Valencia (I am sure a lot of the sailors would rather be in the gulf).
How's that for a huge sail! BMW Oracle Wing Sail being hoisted.
On the water - probably glad there is no wind!
Your author is nothing if not meticulously fair – here are two pics of our favourite Catamaran – Alinghi – also in Valencia.
Alinghi Catamaran rests at her berth
Alinghi Catamaran pottering about in Valencia
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