Four races done

Oracle's dramatically improved performance upwind shows that the teams are still working out how best to sail these boats.   Fascinating to see if either side comes up with some other unexpected tweaks.

Seriously eating my words about this whole AC72 thing. I was totally convinced that the series would be a straight drag race but have been totally glued to every race so far, and they seem to get closer and more exciting each time.

Biggest shame is that OTUSA conceded so many races before they found form. From here it would seem that if the boats stay evenly matched and the racing close then ETNZ will close it out within the next few races, simply by playing the percentages. On the other hand if either boat gains a substantial advantage then the racing won't be exciting. Either way it doesn't seem likely that we'll see another 9 races played out like the last two!

Been some interesting learning for all of us, trying to get to grips with concepts like "wing wash", and lead boats being able to cover the boat behind on the run?. Another thing that seems strange is the notion of crew members grinding apparently randomly, without a corresponding winch drum turning anywhere. For a while I thought BA's coffee grinder was there just to aid his thought processes

Interesting how Ray Davies seemed almost dismissive about Oracle beating them by picking the shifts better, as though that somehow nullified their achievement. To me the whole point of putting arguably 3 of the best shift-pickers in the sport at the back of the boat is to ensure you do just that to beat the other boat.

Reaching starts seemed like a drag race format in the AC45 fleet racing, but with just two boats it becomes as tactical as you like. Spithill's start in Race 9 was a joy to watch.

Great hearing some of the onboard stuff too. My favourite was the exchange between BA and JS, when BA complimented JS on good tacking, JS starts to explain what he's doing differently and BA politely tells him to shut up and sail the boat. I think at that point he came of age as a tactician!!!

Still have major concerns about the safety considerations though. Restricting the max wind strength ensures that the chase boats can keep up at all times, but I still wouldn't fancy the chances of any crew on the windward hull of a capsized AC72. Do you take your chances with a 60 foot jump and hope that you don't hit anything on the way down, or wait and hope the rig doesn't collapse so you fall the same distance with the boat on top? Can't really see an answer to that one...

Originally posted by ohFFsake Seriously eating my words about this whole AC72 thing. I was totally convinced that the series would be a straight drag race but have been totally glued to every race so far, and they seem to get closer and more exciting each time. Biggest shame is that OTUSA conceded so many races before they found form. From here it would seem that if the boats stay evenly matched and the racing close then ETNZ will close it out within the next few races, simply by playing the percentages. On the other hand if either boat gains a substantial advantage then the racing won't be exciting. Either way it doesn't seem likely that we'll see another 9 races played out like the last two! Been some interesting learning for all of us, trying to get to grips with concepts like "wing wash", and lead boats being able to cover the boat behind on the run?. Another thing that seems strange is the notion of crew members grinding apparently randomly, without a corresponding winch drum turning anywhere. For a while I thought BA's coffee grinder was there just to aid his thought processes Interesting how Ray Davies seemed almost dismissive about Oracle beating them by picking the shifts better, as though that somehow nullified their achievement. To me the whole point of putting arguably 3 of the best shift-pickers in the sport at the back of the boat is to ensure you do just that to beat the other boat. Reaching starts seemed like a drag race format in the AC45 fleet racing, but with just two boats it becomes as tactical as you like. Spithill's start in Race 9 was a joy to watch. Great hearing some of the onboard stuff too. My favourite was the exchange between BA and JS, when BA complimented JS on good tacking, JS starts to explain what he's doing differently and BA politely tells him to shut up and sail the boat. I think at that point he came of age as a tactician!!! Still have major concerns about the safety considerations though. Restricting the max wind strength ensures that the chase boats can keep up at all times, but I still wouldn't fancy the chances of any crew on the windward hull of a capsized AC72. Do you take your chances with a 60 foot jump and hope that you don't hit anything on the way down, or wait and hope the rig doesn't collapse so you fall the same distance with the boat on top? Can't really see an answer to that one...

I believe the sailors all wear harnesses with self lowering gear which means they can clip onto something and abseil down rather than having to jump. I think this was stipulated under the safety rules after the Artemis tragedy.

Originally posted by Rupert An abseiling line sounds like another thing to be trapped by? lesser evil, I guess.

It all sounds very Wallace and Gromit
Be just my luck to find the line was too short and be left dangling 20 feet up!!!

Graeme see the dial down thread in the rules section... one to hit MaxiB with at the FOM.