Team France has been out foiling in their America’s Cup Class yacht. Thanks to Oracle Team USA coach Philippe Presti for posting this video.
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Team France has been out foiling in their America’s Cup Class yacht. Thanks to Oracle Team USA coach Philippe Presti for posting this video.
why do all the boats have this severe bow down posture?
Hi Rob, Bow down reduces drag on the windward rudder. I know there are other benefits. I am gathering info and will publish something soon.
The foils are set so that when the hulls are floating they have a substantial angle of attack. This enables them to provide maximum lift at low speed and get out of the water quickly. When on foils the boats are going faster so they need to reduce the angle of attack. The bow down attitude achieves this.
The angle of attack of the foils can be adjusted independent of whether they are flying bow down or not. It is the angle of attack of the rudder stabilizer that sets the bow down attitude. Bow down reduces drag, both aero and hydro. Hydro drag is reduced because less of the rudder is in the water, especially the windward rudder.