On Course, Episode 3

The On Course series takes a regular look at the sailing world, and while much of the sport remains on lock down, show host Matt Sheahan still finds plenty to report on.

For starters, there’s the on going developments with the America’s Cup where two of the four teams have managed to get afloat by using some ingenious thinking. INEOS Team UK explain how they use software to replace time in the wind tunnel and towing tank. There’s also the issue of their boat’s new look as Britannia returns home plus, some more cool footage from the Americans.

“I admit to getting all misty eyed over a former favourite class,” notes Sheahan, “but manage to compose myself for a trip to a very special yard on the UK’s East coast where I found a bigger story that I hadn’t expected.”

In this episode:
01:00 America’s Cup – What the four teams are up to
09:57 Getting excited about the 505
13:03 Amazing Spirits – More than just gorgeous boats
26:35 Board sailing and hairdryers

America’s Cup – What the four teams are up to
The America’s Cup has never been fair, at least that’s been the popular view for over 160 years. It’s hardly surprising, it took 132 years to wrestle the Cup away from the New York Yacht Club and since then the event has been just as controversial as various teams and their yacht clubs have frequently tried to slope the pitch in their favour.

But the current global Covid crisis could make the 36th AC a less even affair again as some teams manage to get afloat while others are held in lockdown.

So, how have two teams got back on the water and what are the other two up to in the meantime?

Amazing Spirit – Spirit Yachts
Over the course of 27 years, UK based Spirit Yachts have become world famous for their elegant designs. We dropped in on their yard in Ipswich and discovered much more than simply a traditional boat builder. As Matt discovers, this is a company that has a keen eye on the future.

505 Worlds
Admitting to bias from the outset, we simply couldn’t resist taking a look at last year’s 505 World Championship footage from Fremantle, Australia and drooling with envy. On the plus side, we learn how the top dogs make rig tuning simple.

Board Games
What games have you been playing during lock down? Thousands have been turning to eSailing for their tactical fix, but Matt’s been digging around in the attic and has found two classic sailing games before ending up playing with hairdryers.