17 May 2007
Are we going to see a Canting Keel in this AC?
'Alinghi’s keel strut and bulb at the Unveiling. It is not known which team has lodged the latest Request for Interpretation' ACM2007/Steffano Gattini Click Here to view large photo
In the first week of May the America's Cup Measurement Committee released their latest decision relating to the use of a canting keel in the 2007 America's Cup. As its not known which team challenger or defender requested this interpretation we don't know how soon a form of canting keel might appear.
For the first time drawings were released which show what was intended by the canting keel.
The concept is that the keel strut is retained inside a keel box and is allowed to cant to leeward just prior to tacking. When the boat is tacked the keel is initially offset and provides original righting moment before returning to the centre position.
The advantage of such a mechanism would be that it would provide additional righting moment just after the boat tacked, giving more power and acceleration, but increasing leeway slightly.
The Interpretation and four diagrams that form part of the Interpretation follow:
Sailworld-Seite
http://media.americascup.com
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