New Bows for BMW/Oracle
By
Richard Hazelton
“Wave piercer” bows more efficient.
Photos: BMWOracle
The “new” BMW/Oracle was is that their boat is made for smoother different from monohulls. “I’m learning
launched in San Diego, and the seas, at least that’s the conclusion the tactical difference for multihulls. In
difference is immediately apparent. we can draw, but the venue is still a general there’s less maneuvering and
The plumb bows have been replaced mystery,” says John. more concentration on boat speed,”
with the “wave piercer” bows. “The The mystery should be answered says John.
length of the boat is the same. It tracks in about a month when, by decree, In watching the trimaran practice
a bit differently,” says tactician John Alinghi has to announce the race venue. when it was testing in Anacortes,
“J.K.” Kostecki. Of course, nothing else has really gone Washington, it was actually quite
The next step is to continue testing as planned so we’ll all have to wait and surprising how quickly it got through
in San Diego with the reconfigured see… as usual. the tacks. “Some people say tris tack
boat. “The new hulls are supposed to While there is a sailing crew in better, but that remains to be seen.”
be more efficient, which we’ll find out San Diego, there are many other crew With all the falderal surrounding
through testing. Who knows, this may members sailing in major events around the challenge, they should be racing in
not be the final version.” the world. An important training six months. To see these two space-age
With no word yet as to where the ground for the team is the multihull behemoths sail against each other will
race will be held, Alinghi’s catamaran series in Europe, a series of six regattas be an epic event.
would suggest that Oracle has made of which they’ve already sailed two. “They’re the most advanced
the right choice of design. “Our reaction Kostecki is a reknown tactician, but sailboats on the planet.”
strategy on the big trimaran will be http://bmworacleracing.com/
John Kostecki
Date of Birth: 7 June 1964
Nationality: USA
Position: Tactician
Winner of the 2001-02 Volvo Ocean Race as skipper
of the Illbruck Challenge, “JK” is also a 1988 Olympic
silver medalist in the Soling Class. In his fifth America’s
Cup campaign, JK was part of the Ericsson Racing Team
in the 2005-2006 edition of the round-the-world race,
as inshore race tactician. A 10-time world champion in
a range of one-design classes, he recently competed on
the TP 52 circuit.
48° No r t h , Au g u s t 2009 PA g e 50
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