Saludos cofradía!
Una entrevista a Verdier, que explica porque el Boss es tan rápido...
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THREE QUESTIONS FOR THE ARCHITECT GUILLAUME VERDIER
FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2016, 19H43
In association with the VPLP team, Guillaume Verdier designed twelve of the 29 boats taking part in the 2016 Vendée Globe, including the eight frontrunners.
Twelve days into the race and there have been no official announcements of boats retiring. How do you feel about that?
“
I'm really pleased about that, of course. It's something that always worries me. I'm the person in charge of structures, so it’s the most worrying aspect, more than performance. The boats haven’t yet been through any storms. They have got where they are without any bad weather and the equipment hasn’t been affected. It’s the first time we have seen so many boats over the Equator. That’s fantastic. The only negative point is that Tanguy de Lamotte encountered an unusual problem (mast head damage - editor).”
What do you think about Alex Thomson’s performance?
“
I’m not surprised to see him in front. He’s the one who went for the riskiest design choices. Alex has a boat that is not such a good all-rounder as the other foilers, but when conditions are favourable, he is quicker. Hugo Boss’s hull isn’t that different from the other foilers. But there is a difference with the size of the foils, and a considerable difference in terms of lift. That is what has made the difference in terms of performance. It’s a giant leap forward coming up with such a huge appendage. The fact that the foil pushes harder means there is less resistance, and so he can go faster.”
Do you think Alex is pushing his boat harder than those chasing him?
“
No, I don’t think so. But as his average speeds are higher, it must be more stressful for him. He needs to be careful to make sure the boat withstands this. More so than his rivals. He is going to have to be very careful in stormy weather and in the Southern Ocean and pull up his foils sufficiently early.”
El Boss lleva unos foils más grandes, más sustentación = más velocidad.
El último comentario de Verdier, lo dice todo.
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