The America's Cup has just begun with the first meetings between the five title contenders. It's an opportunity for Franck Cammas (helmsman of the French challenge) and Christian Karcher (three-time winner of the Cup) to explain the new rules in force for taking the start. Two video lessons by top champions!
Contrary to what was happening when the Cup was held on monohulls, the starting line is no longer facing the wind, but the hydrofoil catamarans cross the line crosswind, launched at full speed.
No more circling where one could take the ascendancy over the opponent, it is now with a draw that the two competitors are placed to enter the starting area 2 minutes before kick-off. And although the boats are no longer turning around, positioning is still essential to attack the starting line properly and take the lead towards the first buoy.
Explanation of all these phases with the advantages and disadvantages of the investments described by these champions.
