American Magic's Tom Slingsby and their Reclining Cyclists Our Expert Vittorio d'Albertas Explains

In a groundbreaking move in the world of sailing, the American Magic team has opted for an unconventional approach with their cyclers – choosing to have them positioned in a recumbent, facing backwards position. This strategic choice aims at minimizing the aerodynamic impact that the crew might create and could prove crucial in this highly competitive race.

The Innovative Design of American Magic’s Cyclers

Sitting comfortably in a reclined position, the cyclers at American Magic are placed side by side, with each one facing towards the stern. This layout significantly reduces the vertical footprint they create, enhancing both aerodynamics and sailing performance.

A Recumbent Design with a Twist

While the concept of recumbent cyclists is not entirely new (the ‘Velocar’ of old bicycle racing history comes to mind), American Magic’s setup offers unique benefits in the context of sailing. In theory, it should provide an aerodynamic advantage by having a more streamlined body profile and reduce the wind resistance, contributing significantly to their speed on the water.

Tactical Advantages in the America’s Cup

Additionally, having two crew members looking towards the stern could offer a tactical advantage. They may be able to react more swiftly to changes in wind and positioning of other boats. While it might be challenging for them to spot shifts from their rearward viewpoint directly, their quick reaction based on the team’s experience and communication can indeed lead to advantageous maneuvers.

Potential Limitations in Upwind Racing

However, there are also considerations for specific types of races. In upwind conditions, where boats frequently need to tack (change direction) and catch waves, it’s unclear how the backward-facing cyclers might affect the crew’s ability to anticipate shifts and react quickly. Yet, it remains an intriguing area to explore further.

The Unconventional yet Efficient Approach

In conclusion, American Magic’s decision to position their cyclers in a recumbent facing backward is both unconventional and potentially very efficient. It showcases their commitment to innovation in the pursuit of speed and performance at sea. Only time will tell if this strategy truly sets them apart from other America’s Cup teams, but one thing is clear: they are definitely making waves.