The BMW ORACLE Racing team took to the water yesterday (29 October) to resume testing ahead of the 33rd America’s Cup – wherever it may be. The BOR 90 was at sea for nearly six hours in its first testing session since undergoing significant modifications for around five weeks in San Diego. Now equipped with an engine to drive the on board hydraulic systems, the boat sails with less crew than before, as the grinders who previously provided the horsepower on the boat stay ashore.

Other major changes include a new mast (with a hard wing believed to be on its way), and the removal of the centreboard and main rudder.
 
This first sailing session was primarily an extension of the shoreside tests that have been ongoing since the boat returned to the water on Sunday evening (25 October). Various sails were raised and lowered and all on board systems were checked.
 
“It was a good day,” said helmsman Jimmy Spithill. “We ticked some things off the checklist and made some good progress. It’s great for the team to be sailing again. It’s such an awesome boat to sail that I just can’t wait to get out there again tomorrow.”
 
On the water testing continues today.

For more, visit www.bmworacleracing.com.

Images are courtesy of Gilles Martin-Raget / BMW Oracle Racing.