Americas Cup-Challenger's Prada Series
During these COVID-19 times we may not be able to go sailing
here in San Diego, but team New Zealand, the current cup winner,
is hosting the Americas Cup Races in Auckland, NZ. Three
countries: United Kingdom, Italy, and America are seeking in a
round-robin race format to win the Challenger's position and take
on team New Zealand in the finals starting March 5.
To all of you interested in seeing sailing at its best, come watch the
AC races on television. Above are couples of the disastrous photos
of America's MAGIC losing control while racing, as she rounded a
mark doing 40 knots and then headed directly into twice the wind
speed she was in before. She went airborne, capsized and almost
sank. To give you a better appreciation of these boats: they are 75
ft. long, they sail with no hull in the water, but rather on a single
submerged foil. They can make turns going as fast as 40 knots
and can attain speeds in excess of 50 knots in winds of only 16-18
knots. Yes, I know… do the math, and then convert knots to mph
and at 53 knots they are traveling at 61 mph… yes, amazing!
So if you care to watch sail racing history in the making, turn
on COX cable, channel 1060, NBC Sports Gold on March 5, (check
your TV guide for actual time, and date). Hopefully, we will have
COVID restrictions lifted by the spring and then we can get with
some blue water sailing on the bay. Until then stay well and safe…
our turn is coming soon. ~ Forrest Newburg, Commodore
Sailing Club
| OHCC LIVING | MARCH 2021 | 35
