Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulinOz
Quote "I think getting computer off the controls would be good ."
Were the last AC Multis computer controlled?
|
Nope.
These boats used MANUAL controls not AUTOMATIC controls.
See section 15.
http://ac.mueva.eu/media/files/m377_...ss-rule-v1.pdf
The rules for 2017 DID allow
electric and electronic assisted actuators and valves, however there were specific limitations on these. The main limitation was essentially that no positional feedback was allowed. This is the critical barrier which eliminates any "computer control".
For instance, the
rudder system could have an electronic valve that energized a hydraulic cylinder (pressurized by all that human cranking) which applied a specific force to the
rudder. You could even SET that force with a
steering wheel on board that utilized a pressure
sensor. However, the only feedback allowed was for the pressure, NOT the position.
This distinction in the rules forced a HUMAN to complete the feedback loop. A computer cannot decide what to do without knowing the heading, or at least the rudder position. Neither were allowed here, causing the human to always steer. The
electronics effectively gave the helmsman extra strength, donated by the cyclists/grinders. This super-human strength was needed to quickly move the rudder, wing, and daggerboard.
Simply put, the delicate touch needed to sail (and fly) was 100% human, and 0% computer.
I LOVE the idea of a
race like this which uses incredible technology to go as fast as humans and
wind and boat can possibly go without external power or computer controls.
I HATE the idea that this is now the America's Cup, now without sail changes and spinnakers and hiking out and...
(I guess I'm officially ready to be a grandpa?)