First off - way cool boat. I want one. Now! Just need to rob a bank.
On the importance of drag reduction, I think its a bigger deal than we think.
Check the simplified biking drag calculator halfway down the page here:
https://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/aerodynamics1.html20mph apparent wind yields 10.5N drag = ~2.4lbF (yes, dirty units)
30mph apparent wind yields 23.7N drag = ~5.3lbF
This is for a cyclist + bike. I know its apples/oranges for us, but still meaningful
From the article:
"On a flat road, aerodynamic drag is by far the greatest barrier to a cyclist's speed, accounting for 70 to 90 percent of the resistance felt when pedaling."
On a % basis, the aero beam figures might be small compared with all the other sources of drag. But all things being equal on an absolute basis over a 40min race, it adds up.
Maybe we should start wearing skin-suits?
