BMW Oracle Racing continues San Diego testing

by BMW ORACLE Racing on 22 Oct 2008
Following two weeks of productive testing and scheduled maintenance, BMW ORACLE Racing continues the San Diego testing session this week. The Pacific Ocean session with the new BMW ORACLE Racing 90 will go through the end of November.

The 90-foot multihull yacht is still in the sea trials phase, with sensors and cameras collecting data from across all areas of the boat - sails, mast, keels, and rudders.

Last week, the BMW ORACLE Racing sailing team - led by French multihull expert Franck Cammas and team helmsman James Spithill (AUS) as the primary helmsmen - flew the hulls the first time (not just the windward float) downwind. At times, the boat speed topped 30 knots.

'However, we still have to be very careful,' Spithill said. 'We continue pushing things a little bit harder and harder every day and we’re taking it gently and carefully. When you are flying both hulls you are a long way up from the water, so safety is very important. We will gradually increase the sailing range as we build up more experience with the BOR 90.'

The team completed the first phase of the trimaran’s sea trials in Anacortes on September 12. The warmer climate of Southern California will allow the team the opportunity to test the boat longer.

BMW ORACLE Racing is operating from a temporary base in downtown San Diego, at the site of Dennis Conner’s former team compound when the America’s Cup was in San Diego.


http://bmworacleracing.com