Winged Keel - Is it possible?

[Portobello]

Hope the link works - breaking news here in Australia:

ABC Sport - Dutchman claims Australia II keel design

[Factor]

Old news. Yanks have never quite got over being beaten by a boat that was SAILED better. Doug Riggs book on the subject was possibly the greatest piece of revisitionist history not includiong David Irvings Holocaust denials. The bertrand team were simply better sailors on the day(s). The only real benefit the keel gave was that it psyched the opposition out big time.

Want the real story on Australia 2 and the Americas cup -read John Bertrands book - Born to Win. Australia 2 was a fast boat cause it was the archetype, "it should fall apart as it crosses the finish line - otherwise its too heavy" boat

[cal40john]

They made a fuss over who really designed the keel when it first came out. I think some were saying that NYYC was just trying to play all the angles, but it looks like maybe there was something really there.

Australia II Keel Design Cup Yacht Winged New 12-meter Boat

[Cheechako]

I for one have been glad the Aussies won it. But let's face it , it was obvious that the winged keel boat was faster. It's pretty much the same in every AC. Once you figure out who has the fastest boat in the wx conditions that prevail, you know whose going to win. However, I have never seen a better series than the last one... wow finishes within a few feet of each other! Still have those buried on my Tevo.

[Portobello]

I agree - it was exciting times though. Ben Lexcen is not with us to defend his design - he was the team leader and had been experimenting with winged keels on dinghies well before the Cup campaign. I don't know how much the Americans have to do with this current news - Ben has been heralded by sailing circles in the USA since.

[barnakiel]

Why not. The Dutch are top notch designers and boatbuilders.

Money no issue, my dreamboat would probably be a Dutch built alu thing.

With a wing keel, why not ;-)))

Cheers,
b.