09/11/2008: "America’s Cup Boat In SJ Waters"

( BMW Oracle racing photo)

There has been a number of connections between San Juan County and the America’s Cup boats, but this is the first time anyone recalls a potential multi-hull Cup challenger under sail in our waters.

Janicki Industries is based in in Sedro-Woolley, and they have built mono hull boats for the Cup, but it is a 90-foot multihull yacht that has been spotted under tow and under sail in our waters as the BMW Oracle Racing teams have been testing a boat that may, we say may, be one of the next America Cup challengers.

The may part has to do with challenges that may, or may not, force the race to be conducted in traditional multihull boats. Such challenges are in play now, so it is possible this new boat will not see formal racing action -at least not in the Cup races.

The boat has been tested in our waters because they are less rough than the waters of San Diego, where the boat is now headed for additional testing and training of the crew.

One thing that was learned by the testing is that the boat is fast. As in really, really, fast. According to one report we received -while shopping in King’s Market in Friday Harbor- the boat could not be kept up with even when being tested with a triple reefed sail, which doubled the wind to boat speed.

The wonder is, how fast will this yacht move when is has the 5,000-square-foot mainsail; the 3,500-square-foot headsail; and a 7,000-square-foot spinnaker catching the wind? BMW has always been known for speed and handling. .