The F50 is currently powered by a 24 metre high wing sail and flies on foils above the water. The catamarans, which owe their DNA to the last America's Cup, have been modified in various places for the new season, which is expected to increase their performance by 15 per cent.
Seven nations are sailing a world series in the Sail GP, 2020 is the second season. The opening race off Auckland/New Zealand was won by the British Ineos team with Ben Ainslie on the wheel.
The modifications compared to the AC-50 catamarans included new foils and foil boxes, new rudders and their adjustment, new hydraulics and electronics, a new cockpit layout for five crew members, a new steering system and a new flight control system operated via joystick. The settings for the foil angle of attack and inclination, the twist of the wing and the sheet of the genoa are operated by hydraulics with battery support, so that they can be adjusted by just three crew members. The drive for the angle of attack of the wing, on the other hand, is operated manually by the two grinders.
Last season, the Australian SailGP team was the first crew to reach 50 knots during a race with the F50. This record could now almost become the norm.
A modular wingsail system has been installed for the second season and will be used from the SailGP off San Francisco from 2 to 3 May. It consists of segments that can be assembled in different lengths - initially from 18 to 24 metres overall height, later up to 29 metres. This means that the catamarans can be used in a wider range of weather conditions. Weight savings have also been achieved with the new wing, and the removal of trim and cables inside provides additional performance gains in light winds.
Presentation of the new Sail GP Wings
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
