A hybrid schooner rig is said to be superior to the wing rig planned for the 34th America's Cup. According to British designer Richard Sauter, who has not yet attracted attention with similar successful designs. He would arrange two rotating wings one behind the other on the catamaran hull, to which conventional headsails or extensions made of sail material could then be attached at the aft edge.
According to Sauter, there are many advantages compared to the previously planned AC-72. For example, his rig is only 32 metres high instead of 40 metres, which would generate less heeling moment with the same sail area. The rig could thus generate propulsion for longer, but would have to be "reefed" later, which is achieved with wing rigs by changing the angle of attack.
The sails on the aft edges of the masts would be rolled out of the boom from bottom to top, allowing the sail area to be optimally adjusted to the wind force. In addition, the pressure distribution along the longitudinal axis would be much more even, which would reduce pitching, i.e. the rocking of the cat over the lee bow.
The rig would cost a similar amount to that of the AC-72, but would offer many more variations and be easier to transport, position and control in the harbour.
The cat would allegedly be just as fast as the AC-72 in light winds, but would be superior in strong winds and would also offer more safety.
But will this idea actually be used? Rolf Vrolijk, designer of the AC-Kats "Alinghi" for the last event, expressed his scepticism to YACHT online: "The problem with schooner rigs is always that the rear mast sails behind the front mast, i.e. in its swirling current. It is incredibly difficult to control this current. The most important question is how large the gap between the front wing and its rear part, the flap so to speak, can be. Many designers are currently researching this."
And there is another reason why realisation is unlikely. According to Sauter, the Dynawing complies with the rules. The length and width as well as the maximum sail area comply with the specifications, and there are only two wing sections as specified. However: "The boxrule is very tight," says Vrolijk, "and the Americans want competitors who are as fast as possible. Even if it were to work, I can't imagine that it would be authorised."
Almost too fast in high winds and narrowly missing a headstand
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
