The New Rule

As you know we welcome everyone's perspective, and here is one on the new AC rule. Enjoy.

If you want conclusive proof that Russell Coutts is firmly at the helm of Alinghi, you need only look at the details of the new America's Cup class rule. It is a sailor's rule, not a designer's rule. If it had been modified according to most designer's wishes it would have broadened the scope for new design innovations by moving the optimum away from the corner of the rule space that it has been firmly stuck in for 10 years, while still keeping the existing boats reasonably competitive. Instead, it is clear that it is a sailor's idea of an improved rule. Less scope for pesky rule beaters that might defeat a well trained crew on the water and less room for innovation.

The new rule tightens up on the formulas for the penalties so that length, displacement and sail area will effectively be fixed with little scope for variation. The draft penalty that Oracle took advantage of in the 2003 cup is gone, replaced by a maximum draft that has been increased slightly to compensate for the loss of righting moment that results from the reduction in displacement to 24,000 kg.

Designers now have little scope for design exploration. This may be a godsend for new syndicates entering the event and wanting to get up to speed quickly. By removing some of the design variables from the mix it may be easier to come up with a design that is roughly in the ballpark. From Alinghi's point of view they may feel they are doing everyone a favor by leveling the playing field.

Cynics would say, however, that they are making it impossible for someone to come up with a significantly superior design, resulting in a situation that favors the bigger, stronger teams such as Alinghi and Oracle. It may make for closer racing on the water, but by removing some of the differences between the boats and the intrigue of the off the water machinations of the design teams, will it make for a boring event?

12/11/2003