|
 17 emerges, ENTZ pushes 40 knots—Sailing News from the U.S. and Beyond
 | | Oracle Team USA emerges from the shed in San Francisco Guilain Grenier Oracle Team USA© |
This week's big racing news comes—not surprisingly—from San Francisco and Oracle Racing's camp, where the Defender of the 34th America's Cup recently pulled their first (of two) wingsail-powered AC72s from the shed, spilling light on what is widely regarded as one of the world's most sophisticated catamarans. As of this writing, the team have now test-stepped her mighty wingsail, formally christened her 'USA 17', and splashed their sleek-looking 72-foot sailing platform.
 | | USA-17 |
While Oracle Racing has been fairly tight-lipped with comments and officially released images of their stealthy-looking machine with the funky-looking central 'pod', there's a fantastic video—inside this issue—that shows some of the boat's exotic lines, her massive wingsail, and the elaborately choreographed effort required to 'step' her rig. Current reports are calling for USA 17 to enter her test-sailing phase next week, so stand by for updates, as they unfurl.
And speaking of AC72s, Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) has had their mighty wingsail-powered America's Cup challenger online for a few weeks now and have been consistently pressing the envelope as far as speed and loads are concerned. According to reports, ENTZ recently pushed the 40-knot barrier during a 20-knot day of sailing out on the Hauraki Gulf.
 | | Emirates Team NZ AC72 sailing at speed in Auckland, on her fourth sailing day Chris Cameron/ETNZ |
'We sailed in, I guess it was over 20 knots a lot of the day,' reported ENTZ team boss, Grant Dalton. 'No problems really at all. And you could have problems today, for sure. So, we're happy with the way it's gone. The boat was in the high 30s—we didn't touch 40—but we were close to 40 at one stage. But we were flying!' The team's video footage and still images, inside, are must-see material for anyone interested in seriously fast racing machines.
Meanwhile, the Extreme Sailing Series Act Five has kicked off in Cardiff, UK, featuring plenty of breeze and tough competition. 'It was a wild day, things happened quick and it was some of the tightest courses and some of the strongest wind we've had and that made it pretty exciting,' said Omar Air skipper, Morgan Larson (USA).
 | | 2012 Extreme Sailing Series Act 5 Lloyd Images © |
'It was kind of hectic, there were tight corners, it was gusty, shifty, and basically we're happy to have got through that day without any damage,' said Larson. 'The racing today was tactical, but boat handling was really the key today, that is really what got us through—sharp boat handling by all the guys.' More, inside.
Also inside, check out Olympic and AC great Rod Davis' insights on the 1988 Cup and get the latest news from Luna Rossa's camp regarding their high-profile new coach. And finally, don't miss the Farr 40 Worlds preview or the latest news from the London Paralympics 2012, the PWA Pegasus Airlines World Cup and the St. Moritz Match Race.
 | | Angulo and Dunkerbeck collide - PWA Pegasus Airlines World Cup 2012 © John Carter / PWA |
May the four winds blow you safely home,
David Schmidt, Sail-World USA Editor
We are sending you this newsletter because you are already receiving an existing Sail-World newsletter or because we believe this will be of interest to you. If you like this newsletter, do nothing, we will send you regular news.
If you don't, its a single click to stop.
No, I don't need or want to read about US and World sailing news. Please don't send me another. 
|
