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America's Cup - Motor Boats

Discussion in 'General Sailing Discussion' started by MountainGuy, Jun 6, 2017.

  1. MountainGuy

    MountainGuy Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2009
    Messages:
    138
    Location:
    Austria
    While watching the AC 2017 I wondered what makes the safety-, camera- and support-boats of the teams are. Anyone can help?
  2. Prospective

    Prospective Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2016
    Messages:
    232
    Location:
    New England
    Haven't paid close attention but if you're talking about the RIB support boats, usally Naiad and Protector.
  3. CptnMaxwell

    CptnMaxwell New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2016
    Messages:
    29
    Location:
    Auckland, NZ
    ETNZ have an interesting Support Boat - http://www.salthouseboats.com/production-boat-catalyst45.html

    A presentation on the previous version was interesting with some clues into the design process.
    • When chasing a boat capable of 40 knots, some serious speed is required to overtake or move around it to analyze performance.
    • A sail boat on foils is above the chop while the support boat takes a pounding while chasing.
    • Efficiency is important as the sail boat uses no fuel and would sail all day (subject to crew endurance) due to limited days of testing. Regular trips to refuel hindered testing.
    • 2 engines could be more efficient than 4, but the grip of 4 on the water is required to right a capsize.