The Team New Zealand’s sailors have replaced the traditional arm-powered winches with cycle-style grinders for the 35th America’s Cup event in Bermuda. Four bikes on each of their new AC50 catamaran’s hulls will render the power to supply the hydraulic systems, which raise and lower the foils and pull in the huge wing sail. The new AC50 catamaran’s hulls contains some of the most updated and powerful technology ever used in the said competition.
There are only six crew allowed on board, the helmsman and the wing trimmer who concentrate on sail settings, and four sailors to produce all the power needed. They even invited the Olympic bronze medal-winning cyclist Simon van Velthooven to lead the new revolution. Former America’s Cup designer Mike Drummond said such leg power could provide 10-15% extra for longer periods. Thus, getting more power out of their grinders for a longer period can make them more faster. However, the Australian team stated that they don’t think that decision will be the deciding factor.
Vocabulary:
hulls – the main body of a ship including the bottom, sides, and deck.
hydraulic system – a system that uses pressurized water power for machinery
wing sail – wings on boats in place of sails
helmsman – a person who steers a ship or boat
wing trimmer – a person who adjusts the sails with reference to the direction of the wind and the course of the ship
catamaran – a boat or a yacht with twin hulls in parallel
True or False:
- The Team New Zealand’s sailors have replaced the traditional arm-powered winches with cycle-style grinders.
- The new AC50 catamaran’s hulls contains some of the most updated and powerful technology ever used in the said competition.
- There are only six crew allowed on board, the helmsman and the wing trimmer who concentrate on sail settings, and four sailors to produce all the power needed.
- They invited the Olympic silver medal-winning cyclist Simon van Velthooven to lead the new revolution.
- Former America’s Cup designer Mike Drummond said such leg power could provide 10-15% extra for longer periods.
Express your opinion:
- What do you think are the differences between water cycling and land cycling? Please explain your answer.
- What is your perception about aerial cycling? Please explain your answer.
- What do you think about the innovation of traditional cycling? Please explain your answer.
- Would you like to try aerial cycling or sea cycling in the near future? Please explain your answer.
Defend your argument:
- “A smooth sea never made for a skillful sailor.”
- “ If in doubt, paddle out. – Nat Young”
- “Water is the driving force of all nature. – Leonardo da Vinci”