bmike's posterous

Welcome and have a look around. (this is personal - work unrelated)

BMW Oracle Racing - Valencia Training Photos

(download)

The first actual racing glimpses of the machine named USA-17 are unreal to me. 20 knots of speed to windward in 6-7 knots of wind! And taking down the jib as it's slowing them down during the beat. Dramatic changes due to technology and understanding the mechanics of aero- and hydro-dynamics.

Alinghi's boat also looks like a serious speed demon. I'm curious how well these multihulls will handle in the match race part of the race. How long will it take to execute a penalty turn? Do you duck rather than head up into irons if a boat fouls you at the start?

The photos shown here are from the main BMW Oracle website but much better ones are available for press use at the BMW ORACLE Racing 33rd America's Cup Photos Videos Library.

Filed under  //   ac33   sailing  

BMW ORACLE Racing blog: Man in motion

Brad Webb is a serious stud. That is all.

I can hardly wrap my head around how fast USA 17 flies. The sailing I've done - even windsurfing on the fastest board - would be nothing compared to 30+ knots on the weather float - 30+ feet above the ocean's surface. Kind of like combining my dinghy with my motorcycle. The whole crew of BMW Oracle racing must be serious speed junkies by now.

Incredible all around.

Good luck gents - I hope race one gets sailed tomorrow.

 

Filed under  //   ac33   sailing