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High tech on the high seas
The catamarans in the 2013 America’s Cup final races are employing several new technologies to make them go faster. A look at some of them:
Full story: America’s Cup boats use innovative design built for speed and power
Rigid sail technology
Catamaran design means less drag in the water, more speed
Rigid sail technology
The two-part main sail is rigid, composed of a wing and flap made from carbon fiber and Kevlar, and covered with aeronautical film. The two are connected by a hinge and can be controlled separately.
Catamaran design means less drag in the water, more speed
When the boat reaches a certain speed, the two hulls lift out of the water and hydroplane on L-shaped daggerboards and rudders, greatly reducing drag. The daggerboards are retractable.
