Oracle Team USA launched their second AC72 last week. The big changes from their first boat go much deeper than the new color scheme. Probably the biggest change hidden – the foil control system. Originally, their AC72 design was for a “skimming” boat – one that did not lift completely out of the water. Boat 1 was not designed for “full foiling.” After learning that New Zealand was testing full foiling, the Oracle AC72 design for boat 1 was modified during construction to add foil control systems. The position of the daggerboards limited space and structural integrity to add a complete foil control system.
Compare these photos – in boat 2, the daggerboard case is aligned with the forward crossbeam and the opening is much bigger. No doubt there are much more advanced hydraulic controls in the hull and crossbeam of boat 2. The daggerboards can be tilted fore and aft, inboard and outboard. They may also have a control to twist them around their vertical axis. These adjustments are probably made by the helmsman, with control buttons on the wheel.
For comparison, look at the opening for the daggerboards on Emirates Team New Zealand boat 2. Their AC72 design began with the assumption of full foiling. You can see the foil control systems, including the buttons on the New Zealand wheel here.
