and even a little bigger...

That thing really is HUGE.
Any ideas on how the pivoting works?

190' in length...the death spar emerges.

Wow was that guy kneeling on it?

Anyone want to lay odds on how long they run it before they break it? I would guess the first time out in more than 5 knots. If they mast they broke was 10M, How much is did this thing cost.

Honestly I wish them all the best. If it works it will be an engineering marvel.

Looked like it to me too - surprised me there...maybe the lower section is more rigid or something.



Let's hope that if they break it, they break it 10 minutes after the last race...assuming the wing makes it to the race from a performance / wind range perspective. I can't wait to see it rigged (maybe today - definitely tomorrow). I would give them more credit than 5 knots...they've accomplished some staggering engineering feats with this boat so far.

Big thing on my mind is whether or not they'll have a head sail in conjunction with the wing...if not, they're trading off a good bit of horsepower...but connecting a head sail to such an animal adds a lot of complexity.

That thing is so badass, even if it does break they are fully GOING FOR IT! Was anybody else getting bored by that boats they were using? This suddenly feels like an old school AC; last minute secret technology, two barely tested boats, reasonable chance either or both could totally blow up...
Re. the video of the guy kneeling on it, in the shot right before that it looks to me like he's walking a long ways on the top of it....I'll bet with the loads the leading edge spar is built for it won't even notice human body weight. Not saying that goes for the rest of it...

It'll be interesting to see what the twist will be like on the platform now that there need not be any leech tension.

I can answer that one for you now...it won't change much. The twist induced was from side loads on the rig - not headstay or leech tensions...the baby stays loads will probably be gone - which will help a little...but we'll probably still see the twist.

The big question is: Will the wing be faster?

With sailarea limited I think I know the answer, but with sailarea unlimited.. Interesting times.

Interview with Loick Peyron:


It does look like the bow it a lot lower now that they have the wing, could this be a problem when sailing downwind in a breeze?

I noticed that in a couple of shots too. I think, however, it is probably due to either light air and slow boat speed (lifting J-foil not coming into full effect) or having the wing over trimmed.

maybe a fat butt was upfront?

Larry left his wallet on the foredeck

I do not like the look of that thing going downwind, and this is only in 10kts of wind.
Center hull stuffing and both rudders barely in the water.
The bearaway has to be incredibly scary on boat this size.

.

A new video was posted today of the giant cat out sailing:
http://www.alinghi.com/en/news/news/index.php?idIndex=200&idContent=21046

These guys need to get the hell out of court, I can't wait to see those things racing!!!

Mike