Americas Cup technical question.

[Guest]

I was watching some of the racing today and saw the helmsman steering. The wheel had a slightly smaller inner wheel that he turned independently from the main, outer wheel. Does anyone have any idea what this inner bit was doing? Ta.

 

[Guest]

Probably adjusts the trim tab on the trailing edge of the keel. This gives more lift from the keel, and reduces leeway.

 

[david_e]

Could be;

So that they can steer with the small one from behind and the bigger one from the rail.

In case one breaks if they fall against it, the other is a back up.

Or both.

 

[Shepp]

As mike says usually for trim tab on keel. Minor heading adjustments done on trim tab, as well as better lift it causes less drag than using main rudder. Occasionally though the inner wheel is for second rudder infront of keel.

 

[Jacket]

>Occasionally though the inner wheel is for second rudder infront of keel

Not on AC boats, as I think the rules limit them to two foils (so keel and rudder).

Though the GBR boat is rumoured to have a twin keel (ie 2 fins, one just in front of the other, linked by the bulb along the bottom) which means that it isn't allowed a rudder, and so must steer using the two trim tabs.