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En route to 2007 design

Oracle BMW Racing

Oracle BMW Racing fielded fast boats drawn by Bruce Farr. USA-76 was one of few to win races against the eventual champion Alinghi. While it might be simplistic to examine the bows in such detail when the entire package makes a winner, the bow of 76 had some similarity to the Swiss hulls with their raised but rounded stem sloping in "hollow" sheer forward and they share the long triangular transition.

Oracle BMW Racing intends to build upon a successful program that included battling into the final of the 2003 Louis Vuitton Cup and sailing to victory over Alinghi in the 2003 Moët Cup. To that end, Oracle BMW Racing and Farr Yacht Design have re-committed to each other for the 2007 event.

Elements Of Success

Both of the Alinghi yachts, SUI-64 and SUI-75, exhibited an unusual scattering spray forward, probably due in part to the long transition and entry angle. Is that shape being copied and tested like the knuckle bow on NZL-60 was? Count on it. During the last cycle there was righteous concern that NZL-60 line drawings were in circulation. Today, when one can take detailed imagery, derive known dimensions from standardized equipment, and then extract the design into CAD programs, keeping secrets for any length of time is a difficult task. Designers carefully study the competition and given time can perform sophisticated analysis of the opposition's hull shapes.

Still, it bears asking what we don't know about SUI-64. What was the purpose of the red circles on the deck forward, at the beams, and in the scoop? Regarding bows, there was such a red dot just ahead of the forestay. Were these used as reference marks for exotic video telemetry analysis? Or were they just aesthetically pleasing colorful dots?

We know Alinghi designed and developed a durable boat, and worked her up to potential. By Cup time, she was aged versus some of her peers. Yet Alinghi won out against long unbeaten Team New Zealand scoring a knockout 5-0.

One Better...

With the next America's Cup set for 2007 and most attention given the search for a European venue, one might be tempted to think that the design teams now slumber. It’s not likely. Designers have a lot of work before them, since it's safe to say Alinghi aims to improve their performance significantly above the lofty level set by SUI-64. The challengers need to draw Alinghi one-better and, after all,

"... Your Majesty, there is no second."

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