American Magic Foils. Our Experts Vittorio and Diego are not Foiled. What's their Construction.

In this episode, we join Trevor Bird from American Magic, cycling in the Port of Auckland for their early morning session at 5:30 rollout with a good breeze and complicated sea state.

The focus of the day was on getting the most out of the breeze and capturing the window they had. They were more focused on getting the reps in and maximizing their time sailing, ensuring they got the most out of their opportunity. Despite some technical issues that arose at times, such as crew members working below deck, nothing major stood in their way.

Technical Details

The foils used by American Magic are constructed from steel. This choice of material may be different compared to other teams that primarily use carbon fiber. However, their decision to opt for steel still meets the necessary weight requirements.

Differences From Other Foils

While most teams use carbon fiber for their foils, American Magic has chosen to go with steel. This choice aims to create a thinner and more lightweight design, as the boat’s performance is highly dependent on reaching the target weight. Steel provides a slightly different elasticity compared to carbon fiber but can be advantageous in certain situations such as sailing through Barcelona’s wavy conditions.

Design Features

The foil design features a unique flap structure, which is different compared to other teams’ setups. The external and internal flaps work independently based on the boat’s speed – with both being utilized at low speeds and only the inner flap engaged at higher velocities. This setup allows for precise adjustments according to each specific racing scenario.

Construction Method

The surface of these foils is created as smooth as possible, making them unique from the competition. The steel used for their construction provides a sleek and glossy finish, making it easy to spot their distinct design.

Conclusion

The steel foils of American Magic set them apart from the rest. As teams like New Zealand Sail GP continue to face challenges, it’s interesting to observe how these competitors have chosen their material and construction methods.

Overall, the design, materials, and construction details of American Magic’s foils showcase innovation within the sailing industry. Keep an eye on how they fare compared to other teams during future races!