Keep your fingers crossed.
1) technology. Alinghi had inserted some new rules that would keep BMWO from using a laser/flux capacitor wind detection device that can map the wind field in a particular area up to 1 KM ahead of the boat. The IJ ruled that BMWO is free to use the device. Alinghi had unfairly disadvantaged BMWO with the rule change.
OK, I'm not sure that I get the point here. How exactly would outlawing this device disadvantage BMWO? Unless Alinghi has one, the use of this device would give BMWO an unfair advantage over Alinghi. Disallowing it, or giving one to each tean, would be the only thing that would make it a level playing field (on this issue).
Was BMWO's case that it was unfair that they had spent the money on this device, and then Alinghi changed the rule so they couldn't use it? That seems like a stretch to me.
Mike
I read a summary transcript from the IJ hearing and the BMWO argument was that it was allowed in the previous NOR. They dedicated money and valuable personnel resources to develop the technology and to make it usable on their boat. These resources could have been applied to other projects to enhance reliability or functionality of the boat's control systems. They were disadvantaged because they spent effort, that could have been spent elsewhere, had Alinghi not changed the rule.
It's not a huge deal in this case, but they could well have structured Spithill's headsup display around the device. Even if it's not that dramatic of an issue, I can see the argument - particularly if you scale it up slightly to a larger system (say, like if Alinghi had suddenly put in a rule to disallow rigid wings). Same deal - different scale....it's a valid complaint.
Rich nailed it to. The other part of this argument is that it was ruled to be as much a design/technology contest by the courts based on the arguments set forth by Alinghi when they tossed rules 51 through 54. Alinghi has since tried repeatedly to limit technology (in several areas) when BMWO had it and they didn't.
Need a new desktop background? High Res BMWO photos daily:
http:/
I am running Firefox and Vista and I can't get it to update the Move Player...Just set there and runs but will not update.
Doug
Firefox did the same thing to me ... Try Internet Explorer 8. Make sure your security is set to Medium-High or lower.
Jake:
Thanks that worked. NOW I just have to get up 1t ^*&*&^*&^*^ 3 am to watch it. ROFLMAO!!!!!
Doug
This just in. According to Corey Friedman at Sailing Scuttlebutt the
jury
is still out on the measurement rule as far as the placement of ballast for measurement (allowed to place it all in the stern or must be equally distributed fore and aft). However, he makes a strange mention that BMWO is not permitted to be present during the Alinghi measurement....that's weird. More news to follow tomorrow.
I want a laser flux capacitor thingy.
For only $150,000 you can have a handheld unit with basic features. You'll have to get your software engineer to integrate it into your boat's data system though. <img src="<>/grin.gif" alt="grin" title="grin" height="15" width="15" />
http:/
Sorry, I wasn't thinking like a billionaire in
spend all I can to gain any advantage
mode. That was inappropriate of me for this regatta.
I do agree that late rule changes are risky.
Being the PRO for this must be all sorts of fun. You're an employee of the defender, but are expected by the rest of the world to run a fair race. I've actually spoken to Luigi about this in the past. They certainly earn their money...
Mike
![[Linked Image]](http://www.catsailor.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10093/racersedgelaserwind.jpg)
Imagine this sitting on a swivel like a radar and constantly scanning the wind all around you. Then hooking it up to a computer with software that puts all the pictures together. You could see where the wind is coming from, the pattern of the wind trails, what the pressure is, etc.
Wonder when it will be small enough to use on a beachcat? Then we can get small motors to do our sheeting and maybe helm by wire. We would have a very expensive radio controlled boat.
Later,
Dan
no kidding - what a tough job. That and the single measurer!