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Festival of Sails 2026

America's Cup- What was Changed on Oracle?

by Matt Sheehan, Yachting World on 2 Oct 2013
San Francisco 34th AMERICA’S CUP America’s Cup final Oracle Team USA wins the 34th America’s Cup Carlo Borlenghi/Luna Rossa http://www.lunarossachallenge.com
Oracle's jump in performance half way through the America's Cup is still the subject of hot debate, particularly among the New Zealand press who are convinced that the black cat had some special device that allowed them to foil more effectively. Was the ‘Herbie', as it became nicknamed, legal? Would Team New Zealand take legal action?

The speculation should have been brought to a halt after team boss Grant Dalton confirmed on Saturday that the team would not be taking legal action over the alleged device. But the chatter still goes on.

Having remained in San Francisco for a few days after the end the event, I got to speak to a number of people about what was really going on. It didn't take long for the real picture of what was behind the speed improvements to emerge.

Here are some of the modifications that took place:
Rudder T foil modification
Hull interceptor
Asymmetric set up
Mast Rake
Wing power lower down
Bowsprit
Main foil adjustment

For the full story: http://www.yachtingworld.com/blogs/matthew-sheahan/535348/america-s-cup-what-was-changed-on-oracle
Maritimo M75Barton Marine Pipe GlandsKingfisher Yacht Ropes at METSTRADE 2025

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