J

That brings up a good point. Does anyone know the polars (VMGs) of these boats yet in varying wind conditions?

Mike

I'm guessing that the polars are very closely guarded secrets.

True, but there must be some ballpark estimates. For example, Jeremy's reporting 4 times windspeed downwind, in what windspeed, and does that translate at different windspeeds?

Mike

We've heard everything from 4 times windspeed (which can't be accurate IMHO) to 40 degree tacking angles. The one thing you can count on is that you can't count on anything you hear. Most casual observers that get close to either animal are so excited that their estimates are wildly exaggerated.

You're right. My 'casual observations' are WILDLY exaggerated. Kind of like a fish story. My apologies. You'll just have to read my next article on SA.

J

Hey Mike, I think I must have been under the influence when I both wrote that and saw that. It was more like 8 times the boat speed in about 10 knots of breeze in that flat San Diego water. The thing is fast for sure, but I'm kind of bad at math!
Sorry for my inaccurate reporting.

Really though, I can't wait to see them race. If it ever happens.

J

Perhaps I was speaking more for what I might report had I seen it up close and personal! no slight intended.

It's an amazing beast to say the least! No offense taken.
j

Some new video of CZ sailing in some breeze this time. By using a stopwatch and taking several estimates of the time it takes the boat to travel one hull length, I'm figuring she's moving at between 29 and 32 knots in this video upwind in 12 to 14knots of breeze.

Alinghi Video

Interesting website from the research institute behind the Alinghi design program, some very smart people working on this project.
http://alinghi.epfl.ch/en/index.html