sail-world.com -- America's Cup: Bob Fisher checks out the Oracle Team USA's AC 72
America's Cup: Bob Fisher checks out the Oracle Team USA's AC 72
Sun, 26 Aug 2012
America's Cup Race Management supremo, Iain Murray, commented on Russell Coutts' starting line collision with the committee vessel, perhaps aptly named Regardless: 'When the event is in need of publicity, you can rely on Russell to produce something!'
The Oracle boatbuilders almost certainly had other comments as the damage kept them busy all night in order to have their leader back in the competition the next day.
Those boatbuilders already have their hands full completing the first of the Oracle AC72s that is due to be unveiled on Tuesday. For the few who have seen this creation, there were gasps of admiration and there is no doubt that it is different from the other 72s which have seen the light of day - the ETNZ one in Auckland and the Artemis boat that was partially revealed when the Juan K boat was taken to nearby Alameda three days ago. Just how different, it is not possible (by virtue of the embargo imposed) to disclose, but different she definitely is.
Gleaming black - a clear lacquer over the carbon fibre - Oracle has a purposeful look and will present few surprises to those who understand the limits of the design rules. Yes, the daggerboards are not straight and the grinders will be accommodated in the hulls - four pedestals in each hull. And there is a mid-line structure, closely resembling a one-sided mast with one-inch diameter carbon rod rigging to support the 'soft' sails, but more than that cannot be told until her official unveiling.
The boatbuilders have been busy, but it should be noted that Mark Turner has not lost any weight by worrying about the project. He is simply getting stuck in to boat number two, the tooling for which could be discerned in the vast shed at Pier 80. One unforgettable comment came from Grant Simmer, the General Manager (a role similar to that he held with Alinghi), who said: 'We are not looking for hundredths of knots or even tenths of knots [of improvement], we are looking for knots!'
Burke Marine
Burke Marine, suppliers of international quality marine clothing and equipment, was founded by Martin Burke on the shores of Sydney Harbour in 1971. Visit our website for your nearest stockist. [More info]
http://www.burkemarine.com.au
Ensign Ship Brokers
Ensign Ship Brokers was established in 1980 and has spent the last 28 years expanding our marine knowledge and developing our reputation! We strive to provide the very best service! [More info]
http://www.ensignbrokers.com.au/
GME Standard Communications Pty Ltd
Leaders in communications and navigation. Their goal has always been to make products whose innovation, convenience and peace of mind can help improve the lives of their customers. [More info]
http://www.gme.net.au
Hamilton Island Luxury Accommodation
Full range of private apartments, villas and houses on Hamilton Island. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 bedroom options available. All include buggy and island airport or marina transfers. [More info]
http://www.whitsundayholidays.com.au
Multihull Solutions
Multihull Solutions is Australia and New Zealand’s premier offshore and cruising catamaran and trimaran specialist, offering sales and servicing of the world’s finest multihull brands.
[More info]
http://www.multihullsolutions.com.au
Navionics Australia
Navionics is proud of its superb cartographic database comprising more than 25,000 charts and port plans; the largest privately owned database of its kind, the only one using full seamless technology [More info]
http://www.navionics.com.au
OziOpti
OziOpti is all about 'getting kids in boats' and the Australian company supporting the introduction to of the world’s most popular junior sailing yacht, the 'International Optimist Dinghy' [More info]
http://www.oziopti.com.au
Performance Sailcraft Australia (Asia Pacific)
Laser builder Performance Sailcraft Australia has taken on the successful RS Sailboat range from Britain, and is now licensed to build and distribute all of the RS range in the Asia Pacific region. [More info]
http://www.lasersailing.com.au
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
2013 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is Australasia's most significant marine lifestyle event. We look forward to welcoming you to the 25th annual event. [More info]
http://www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au/
Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week
Entries for the fourth annual Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week have opened! 4 days of racing, 5 days of fun – that is what you can look forward to from 3-7 September at Magnetic Island. [More info]
http://www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au
Ullman Sails
For over 45 years, Ullman Sails has been devoted to helping our customers reach their sailing goals. [More info]
http://www.ullmansails.com
VicSail Sydney
Vicsail Sydney Pty Ltd, launched into the Australian sailing fraternity in 1983 and has been sailing strong ever since. At Vicsail, “We Sail the Boats We Sell”. [More info]
http://www.vicsailsydney.com.au