Laurie Davidson on the Unveilings
By Richard Hazelton
February, 2003
Source: 48 Degrees North

[Editor's Note: To view and learn more about the hulls and appendages of the syndicates discussed below, see the article What's "Down Under" On Each AC Boat. It has photos and more comments on Unveiling Day.]

We had the pleasure of talking with Laurie Davidson after the unveiling of Oracle, Alinghi, and Team New Zealand. Given Alinghi's performance against Oracle, his words ring very true. As for the Hula...

Oracle:
It's looks like a good all around boat. They have a little smaller sail area. I think it's because they probably have a penalty draft. If you're lighter than maximum displacement allowed then there's a sail area penalty.

The keel, the CG (center of gravity) isn't as low as other boats, that may be part of the sail area penalty. The other boats, New Zealand particularly, have lower CGs.

Alinghi:
Again a rather orthodox looking boat. The area on their keel fin may be bigger which helps maneuverability but gives you more wetted surface downwind.

Team NZ:
It is a very elegant looking boat. They've created the boat we'd all like to draw but haven't because of the rules governing the hulls. I think the NZ boats are plainly illegal (with the Hula) under Rule 26B. The device contravenes the rule. Look at it yourself, it's very simple to read. The measurer shouldn't have allowed it in the first place. The Hula clearly gives extra effective length from a device that's not technically part of the hull but acts as part of the hull.

Advantage of the Hula:
There's not much advantage in light winds. It's most effective in stronger winds with the boat sailing at higher speeds. With NZ Royal Yacht Squadron running the races, you won't see races run in lighter airs.

You should see stronger winds in the AC than you did in the LV, probably at least 15 most of the time. (Note: The upper wind limits have been lifted for the America's Cup Races)

Laurie Davidson is staying in Auckland until after the AC but he looks forward to returning to the Pacific Northwest. "It's my favorite part of the world."