By HELEN TUNNAH
America's Cup syndicates have been reminded they are not allowed to take on water to improve a boat's performance after two questions were raised with the international jury.
Chief umpire Bryan Willis told the Herald that taking water deliberately on board a racing yacht was banned under cup rules.
The jury answered the questions about water ballast just days before racing in the Louis Vuitton challenger series started on October 1.
Who asked the questions, and why, is not known. All questions for rule interpretations put to the international jury are confidential.
The two questions related to boats taking on water before the start of a race and during a race for the purpose of changing a yacht's sail trim or stability.
In both instances, the jury said deliberately taking on water broke the regatta's rules.
International America's Cup-class yachts are designed to particular specifications, but there can be a trade-off between a yacht's displacement (weight), sail area and length.
All yachts are measured before racing to ensure they meet the IACC specifications.
Willis said that if a yacht took on water before or during racing, the measurement of the yacht could effectively change, putting it outside the rules.
"You are not permitted to change a boat's rating except through normal wear and tear, so that's why it is prohibited before a race.
"During a race, you would be taking on [water] ballast which would increase the waterline length of the boat and, in certain circumstances, make it go faster."
Willis said taking on water could be vital in windspeeds of around 8 to 11 knots.
"That's when it would be critical and when you would want the maximum waterline length.
"If you had made the boat with extra waterline length it would have cost you with something else; you would have to reduce the sail area. So if you can get it for nothing, that would be very beneficial."
Willis said the yachts each had a theoretical maximum speed and when that was met, it could be an advantage to have extra length.
He said teams would not be breaking the rules if water accidentally came on board a yacht, provided it was removed as quickly as possible.
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule, results and standings
Jury warns syndicates against water ballast
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