Fairing or aerodynamic fairings... But what could it be? Here are the explanations of Franck Cammas, through the AC Class of Groupama Team France, who will participate in the America's Cup in one month. These elements called"Fairing" or"Aerodynamic fairings" make it possible to gain in speed.
On the AC Class, 33m2 of"fairing" can be added next to the boat's structure: the arms, the central part (the pod), the front arm and the pole in front. On the Groupama Team France boat, fairings have been added to these elements, which all have a different effect on the boat's performance and balance "There is more than 20% of the drag and speed that will be gained thanks to its fairings (compared to the configuration with nothing). This saves 50 kg of drag, compared to the total 200 kg of drag on the boat." says Franck Cammas.
The back arm
It is slightly downwind in order to provide a vertical force which is around fifty kilos upwind in 14 knots of wind "This vertical force is added to the average vertical force we have on rudders. On average, the elevators in the water push upwards. It allows you to split the effort between the aerodynamic part and the part you have in the water with the rudders." comments Franck Cammas.
This fairing has a huge influence on the trim of the boat and on the balance. "The faster we go, the faster it feels like a Formula One fin and stabilizes the boat."
The central part
Two"" have been added around the pod. Only three America's Cup boats have made the choice to add part of this 33 m2 on this central part: Groupama Team France, Land Rover BAR and Team New Zealand.
It is called a wing"540", which aims to make a plate effect at the bottom of the wing to promote flows and avoid disturbances with air that passes under the wing from"304"When the wing is installed, lips completely seal the bottom of the wing and you permanently touch that emplate."big ears"https://media.bateaux.com/bateaux/25780/coupe-de-l-america-franck-cammas-groupama-team-france-2.jpg"emplate"303"upwind to downwind "This torque makes it possible to add power to the boat thanks to these forward fairings" says Franck Cammas.
