Sail-World's resident photo and videographer, John Navas, was out on the water today and captured video of Emirates Team NZ's AC72 sailing a close reach - near windward course while foiling.
Speed is dramatic - 30-35kts clocked off the chasing powerboat - compared to the usual 20-23kts seen in racing to date.
Note in the still shot above, the leeward hull is clear of the water, but a significant part of the foil is immersed - reducing leeway. To achieve reasonable VMG, leeway must be kept to a minimum.
Something for the aficionados to work out is whether foiling upwind, sailing faster and lower (and carefully playing the shifts) is better than slower and higher.
The estimated numbers are:
Course over ground: 300° magnetic.
Wind direction: 245° magnetic (TWA 55° - it is not known what the 'normal TWA is for an AC72, but a monohull is 45°).
Wind strength: 12-14 kts
Sailing angle is reported at 300 degrees.
Video quality is a bit jerky, as would be expected at this speed.
<: embed_code :>
by John Navas - 11:00 PM Wed 17 Jul 2013 GMT
Click here for printer friendly version
Click here to send us feedback or comments about this story.
If you want to send this story to a friend, please use link below
Based on your current download speed Sail-World has delivered large images (660 pixels long side.) If you would like to see only small images (300 pixels long side) click here . For medium sized images (500 pixels long side) click here . If you would prefer to see text only (without pictures) click here
Click for further information on
2013 America's Cup
Related News Stories: