AC90 Rule: Not Much Left on the Table

Your Blogster thought he’d take a closer look at the 47-page “Rule” book (AC90 Rule of Oct. 31, 2007), issued by AC Management SA, for the next America’s Cup. (To review see: http://www.americascup.com/multimedia/docs/2007/10/071031-ac90_rule_final.pdf)

The rule is supposed to be creating high performance racing yachts using commercial available materials and technology. It’s be raced by crews who will be physically and technologically challenging, but one’s using only manual controls to handle and trim the sails.

These rules may be amended, but only after January 8, 2008, and by the unanimous approval of the Challengers.

The document specifies lengths, weights and materials for the hulls and sails, including all standing and running rigging. It specifies rules regarding “appendages” and hatches, and a variety of related gear. The Rule also specifies the type of paint that is to be used on the hull. Vinyl film may be applied over the hull paint for the purpose of advertising. The bowsprit may not retract.

Once measured, each yacht receives a measurement certificate from AC Management and must remain in compliance at all times. It is subject to re-inspection.

The hulls will be made of “fibre modulus,” an FRP laminate, a commercially available reinforced polymer matrix composites, with fibres of carbon, glass, aramid and polymer.

There is a whole series of declarations and such from the builder.

In short, the rules appear to be tight and thorough to this layman’s eye.

The measurements are all in metric numbers and the text written in English.

The Rule is intended to be used for several America’s Cup regattas, with modifications in future one’s. Once built, the yachts are expected to be raced in windward-leeward courses, with support craft present, within wind and sea limits “which are not extreme.”

Of course, as practical, the yachts are supposed to raceable out of the port of Vallencia, Spain.